In a blunt message, India on Thursday asked Nepal to “put its house in order” and rejected charges of economic blockade from the Indian side. Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup also expressed concerns over the growing “anti-India” sentiments in Nepal.
“We do recognise that there is growth of anti-India sentiment and this is something we are seriously concerned about. There is no doubt about that. But who is responsible for this... Who has stoked this anti-India sentiment,” he said, adding that due to unrest on Nepalese side, Indian goods were not being able to enter.
“And for which the blame squarely lies with the Nepalese leadership and we hope that they do something about it so that the traditionally friendly relationship between Nepal and India can continue like before," the spokesperson said.
Rejecting Nepal charges that India was choking it, he said there was no "official or unofficial economic blockade" from India and the obstruction was from Nepalese side at the exit and entry points. He also noted that in last one week only 250-300 trucks each day have been able to enter into Nepal even as 5033 cargo vehicles were awaiting entry into that country. He also cited instances where Indian truckers and other vendors have faced violence and feared for their safety and security.