India ready to help Nepal return to democracy

New Delhi, Apr 21: Expressing deep concern over the ''deteriorating situation'' in Nepal, India today said it was ready to help Kathmandu return to multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy.

''We stand ready to help them to come back'' to normalcy through the process of dialogue and reconciliation, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters.

He, however, made it clear that it was for the people of Nepal to make the necessary moves to return to multi-party democracy.

Indian Ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukherjee today held talks with King Gyanendra as a follow-up of the discussions the King had with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy Karan Singh yesterday, the spokesman said.

Asked whether India had any ''contingency plan'' for Nepal in view of the situation of anarchy prevailing in that country, he said ''we would not like to be panicky or speculative,'' but were closely monitoring the developments.

Replying to a question, he said the meeting between the King and the Ambassador was perhaps arranged mutually.

Dr Karan Singh had, on his return, briefed the Prime Minister about his talks with the King and political leaders, he said.

UNI