Govt proposes to send all-party delegation to Nepal

India on Thursday proposed to send an all-party delegation to Nepal, with which relations are at an all-time low, even as it asserted that it had imposed no blockade and was in fact trying to re-route supplies via available routes and by air.

“India’s only interest is in a peaceful, united and stable Nepal and our approach to the present crisis is completely consistent with these objectives,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Rajya Sabha while speaking on ‘Situation in Nepal and the state of Indo-Nepal relations’.

She said the present state of confrontation in Nepal needs to be addressed credibly and effectively by political parties and people there.

“There has been the broadest goodwill for Nepal in India and full political consensus on our policy...In that tradition, I would urge the House to consider the merits of a visit to Nepal by an all-party delegation. The government will be guided by the sentiments of the House,” she said.

About disruptions in supplies to Nepal because of which the relations have hit an all-time low, Swaraj said: “Contrary to some canards on this issue, there is no blockade by India” and any obstruction caused are by the Nepalese, which is beyond the control of India.

She said India is assisting in re-routing stranded POL (Petrol, Oil and Lubricant) tankers and vehicles carrying medical supplies through other crossing points, as also airlift. “But, there are logistical constraints and the best remedy remains a political solution leading to the end of the agitation,” she said. 

Swaraj made the statement on a Calling Attention motion moved by Pavan Varma (JD-U), who said the matter was serious and of concern to the country. After members felt that less time was allotted to the debate, the Minister suggested that it should be converted into a short-duration discussion.