No big brotherly approach on Nepal, want early solution: India

Rejecting the allegation of adopting “big brotherly” approach towards Nepal, India on Monday said it respects its sovereignty and wants to see the neighbouring country itself resolve the present crisis through consensus as violence could have impact even on India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj rubbished the charge that India was imposing a blockade on supplies even as she asserted that the Narendra Modi government would follow the policy of the previous government with regard to Nepal.

Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on India-Nepal relations, during which members expressed concern over the deterioration in ties, she said the government shares their sentiments as also the worries of Nepal, which has been hit by a blockade of supplies from India due to an agitation by Madhesis over the newly-adopted Constitution.

“Still a way can be found... We are doing the same... We want to see a resolution through consensus so that supplies could be restored at the earliest,” Swaraj said, adding that India has conveyed this to the Nepal government as well as the agitating Madhesis. “We hope some solution will emerge in 5-7 days,” she said.

To the allegations that India was adopting a “big brotherly” approach, she said: “Instead, we are adopting an elderly brother’s approach, a caring and sharing approach.”

Rejecting the charge of interference into the neighbour’s affairs, she said: “Nepal is a sovereign country and we respect its sovereignty. We are not prescriptive but only give advice. Like an elder brother, our attitude is that of caring and sharing and not of showing arrogance, which a big brother does.” 

Allaying apprehensions voiced by JD-U leader Sharad Yadav, she said there is no need to have any doubt over the government’s intentions. “The present government will also follow the same path on which the previous governments have handled Nepal. There is no difference between the deeds and actions of the government. This government does what is speaks,” she said.

She said India is worried also because if the agitation by Madhesis turns violent, it will affect this country.