India assures economic package to Nepal

New Delhi, June 7: India today assured full financial support to Nepal to tide over its economic crisis triggered by long-running Maoist insurgency and political instability, During talks with visiting Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured an economic package, details of which were being worked out.

Dr Singh told Mr Koirala that India was deeply committed to the completion of several projects in areas such as infrastructure, roads, bridges and railway linkages, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

Dr Singh said India was keen to see that Nepal fully recovered from its economic crisis, and would provide both short-term and long-term assistance.

During the one-to-one meeting lasting 40 minutes with Dr Singh, which was followed by delegation-level talks, Mr Koirala thanked the government of India and its people for their support in the restoration of multi-party democracy in Nepal.

He also reaffirmed the strong traditional ties between the two countries.

Dr Singh congratulated Mr Koirala for leading a successful democratic movement and described him as a towering personality among the heads of all developing countries.

The close ties between India and Nepal were seen in Dr Singh breaking protocol to receive Mr Koirala at the airport last evening.

Mr Koirala, who is on a four-day visit to India, is leading a high-level delegation which includes senior Ministers and businessmen.

UNI