Sushma to lead all-party delegation for Koirala's funeral

New Delhi/Kathmandu, Feb 9: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead an all-party delegation from India for the funeral of former Nepal prime minister Sushil Koirala who died early on Tuesday in Kathmandu, an official said.

"Together with Nepal, at its time of loss. EAM @SushmaSwaraj to lead all party delegation for funeral of former PM Sushil Koirala," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.

In Kathmandu, officials said that Sushma Swaraj will land at 5 p.m. (Nepali time) and will fly back to New Delhi later in the evening.

She will meet Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Gopal Khanal, the foreign relations advisor to Oli, said.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Congress leader Anand Sharma and Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sita Ram Yechuri will accompany Sushma Swaraj.

The Nepal government has decided to accord the state funeral to Koirala.

His last rites will be conducted at the Pashupatinath temple on the bank of Bagmati river.

The government has also announced a public holiday on Wednesday.

IANS