India pitches for inclusive Constitution in Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an “extensive and productive dialogue” with his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal popularly known as Prachanda after which the two sides inked three pacts including one on India extending $150 million for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction. It is Prachanda’s first visit to India after becoming Prime Minister for the second time. 

KP Sharma Oli quit the top post in July following fresh political turmoil due to protest by Madheshi community against the new Constitution. The two countries also decided to continue cooperation in areas of defence and security. In a statement to media following the talks, Modi said India hoped Nepal will be successful in implementing the Constitution through inclusive dialogue accommodating aspirations of all sections of its diverse society. “As immediate neighbours, peace, stability and economic prosperity of Nepal is our shared objective,” the Prime Minister said in the presence of Prachanda. On his part, the Nepalese Prime Minister said his country has nothing but “goodwill” for India and that destinies of both the countries are “interlinked”.