‘Diplomatic relations based on equality’

Kathmandu, May 7 . Politicians and civil society leaders have voiced for advancing diplomatic relations between Nepal and India based on equality.

At a programme in the capital city on Monday, they said that all political parties should come univocal in regard to country’s foreign policy.

On the occasion, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Agni Prasad Sapkota said the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be utilised for promoting Nepal’s interests.

“In the past, there was a tradition of Nepal’s PM visiting New Delhi, but now Indian PM has started to visit Nepal. There have been bilateral visits from the head of the governments. This is positive,” Sapkota added.

Likewise, Nepali Congress leader NP Saud expressed the confidence that Indian PM Modi’s two-day visit would further boost up Nepal India relations and suggested that the government should do sufficient homework to make the visit successful.

“It would be natural and good message would be delivered if Modi’s formal visit commences from Kathmandu and then to Janakpur and Muktinath because the central government is in Kathmandu,” the NC leader added. However, we have to construe his visit positively, he said.

Also speaking at the programme, secretary general of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal Manish Suman said that the government should talk to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit and the issues of investment during Modi’s visit.

Similarly, civil society leader Dr Sundar Mani Dixit opined that Nepal should move ahead to muster more benefits adding that the prime ministers in both the countries are powerful given their stable governments.

“Indian PM Modi’s visit would be too important. Modi is a religious figure and the major reason behind his visit to Nepal is because Nepal is the holy land from the perspective of Vedic religion,” Dixit argued.