Question : Indo-Nepal Ties

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the relationship between India and Nepal has come under strain recently after the adoption of the new Constitution in Nepal and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government of Nepal has alleged that India has imposed an economic blockade on the country and the supplies of fuel and other essential commodities from the Indian side has been disrupted and if so, the facts thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to ensure cordial relationship between the two neighbours and to calm the escalating tension along the border;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the further steps envisaged to foster stronger bilateral ties with Nepal?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 55 REGARDING “INDO – NEPAL TIES” FOR ANSWER ON 02.12.2015

(a) Our unique, centuries-old civilizational ties with Nepal, based on shared geography, history, culture, language and religion and characterized by close political relations, wide-ranging economic cooperation and deep-rooted people-to-people friendship, have been rejuvenated since May 2014 with sustained interaction at the highest political level, including Hon’ble Prime Minister’s two visits to Nepal in 2014. On 11 October 2015, Hon’ble Prime Minister called Prime Minister Shri K.P. Oli following his election and conveyed his hearty congratulations. Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj met the then Foreign Minister Shri Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in New York on 30 September 2015. She hosted the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shri Kamal Thapa on 18 October 2015.

(b) Disaffected sections of the Nepalese population have been causing obstructions at the India-Nepal border from the Nepalese side, in protest against the Constitution promulgated by Nepal on 20 September 2015. There is no hindrance from the Indian side. Government of India has facilitated supplies wherever possible. Several thousand trucks have remained stranded for weeks and have been waiting on the Indian side of the border crossings. The primary crossing of Raxaul-Birgunj, which accounts for two-thirds of our trade, remains closed from their side for more than two months. However, every day several hundred cargo trucks have still been passing through those crossing points that are open and available. Despite constraints, Indian Oil Corporation has delivered POL supplies to the extent possible. Several hundreds of medical consignments, including by truck, were cleared through the India-Nepal border in November 2015. We are also assisting in re-routing stranded POL tankers and vehicles carrying medical supplies through other available crossing points, as also airlift.

(c) & (d) India has always stood for peace, prosperity and progress of Nepal, which is also in India’s interest. Throughout the process of Constitution making in Nepal, India has supported a broad-based and inclusive Constitution. India has been consistently advising the Government of Nepal that the issues facing Nepal are political in nature, which cannot be resolved through force.

(e) While continuing to advise and encourage all political parties to address the causes underlying the present state of confrontation credibly and effectively, India will continue to maintain close engagement and bilateral exchanges, as well as extend all assistance in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Nepal, for peace, stability and socio-economic development of the country. Government of India continues to facilitate supplies to the extent possible.