Donors' conference in Nepal: PM Modi leaves open his participation

New Delhi, June 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday conveyed to his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala India's support to the upcoming Donors' Conference on the quake-hit country's rehabilitation but left open the issue of his participation in the meet.

Modi assured Koirala that India would respect and be with Nepal in all its decisions taken on rehabilitation when the latter called him up to invite him for the conference being hosted by the Nepal government on June 25 in Kathmandu.

Koirala briefed Modi on the steps his government is taking for rehabilitation and reconstruction in Nepal following the earthquakes in April and May 2015, a PMO statement said.

He invited Modi to visit Nepal on June 25 to address the First Donors' Conference. Koirala also mentioned that he has sent Finance Minister Ram Chandra Mahat to Delhi with a personal invitation for the prime minister.

Thanking Koirala for the invitation and conveying his best wishes for the conference, Modi said he would participate, if his schedule permitted. He assured the Nepal leader that India would, in any case, be represented at a high ministerial level, the statement said.

Modi reiterated India's unwavering and sustained support to Nepal in his rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, "guided by the preference and priorities of the government of Nepal", it added.

Reaffirming that India has always been "guided by humanitarian concerns in a spirit of equality and friendship", Modi reiterated that India's "only desire was success, peace and progress for the people of Nepal".

Koirala also briefed Modi on the recent political developments, including drafting of the Constitution, the PMO statement said.

Modi conveyed his appreciation on the progress in the political process on drafting of the Constitution and conveyed his best wishes for the successful conclusion of the peace process and adoption of a Constitution, it added.

Koirala congratulated Modi on his successful visit to Bangladesh, describing it as yet another example of the Indian Prime Minister's successful 'Neighbours-First Policy' and his commitment to deepen relations with the neighbours, the statement said.

He congratulated Modi on the historic agreements signed in Dhaka and welcomed the Prime Minister's support for sub-regional connectivity between Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal, it added.

PTI