Subramanian Swamy calls on Oli; discuss ways to normalise Indo-Nepal ties

Kathmandu, Feb 19: On the eve of Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli's maiden India visit, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday, Feb 18, called on him and other leaders to find ways to bring back normalcy in bilateral ties after the turbulence caused by Nepal's new Constitution.

Swamy, who flew in here in the morning, called on Oli as well as Maoist supremo Prachanda.

"It was an informal visit aimed to see whether Indo-Nepal relations can be brought back to more rationality because the blockade (by Madhesis) has been lifted," Swamy said.

Swamy, who enjoys close relations with Nepalese leaders, said he made some suggestions to the Nepalese leaders to bring back normalcy in Indo-Nepal ties.

Oli is embarking on a six- day visit to India from today. During the talks, the Indian leader stressed on the need to address the concerns of the Madhesis, mostly of Indian origin, who have been opposing Nepal's new Constitution as they felt that the provisions of the new charter would marginalise them.

Oli had earlier said that he would not travel to India unless the Madhesis lifted the "illegal and inhumane" blockade. Earlier this month, the Madhesis announced withdrawal of their protests including the border blockade.

They had launched an agitation protesting against the new Constitution promulgated on September 20 last year, saying it failed to address their concerns over representation and homeland.

Swamy said he impressed upon the Nepali leaders that they should keep in check "anti-Hindu forces" in the country. He also said Nepal should "not to look for other allies", an apparent reference to China.

Earlier some reports had said that Oli could visit China before India due to hiccups in India-Nepal ties over the Madhesi issue.

Amid strain in Indo-Nepal ties, China was seen by analysts as getting closer to Nepal especially by providing essential goods to the land-locked nation.

Oli has said that he will visit China within a month after his India trip as part of his government's policy to enhance cooperation with immediate neighbours.

PTI