Sushma Swaraj meets Nepalese leaders, discusses ways to enhance bilateral ties

Swaraj, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day goodwill visit, today called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman ‘Prachanda’.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today discussed ways to advance India’s multi-dimensional and historic ties with Nepal and assured New Delhi’s support for its political stability and development as she held wide-ranging talks with the country’s top leadership.  

Swaraj, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day goodwill visit, today called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and held talks with CPN-Maoist Centre chairman ‘Prachanda’. 

“We will extend full cooperation to Nepal in attaining political stability and development,” Swaraj said after her breakfast meeting with Prachanda. 

“We discussed about the situation emerging after the conclusion of the elections and the preparation for formation of new government,” said Prachanda, whose party formed Left Alliance with CPN-UML during the recently held elections in Nepal. 

“I told Swaraj that we want political stability and development for which we need cooperation from the neighbours.  Swaraj assured that India will extend full cooperation to Nepal in her efforts towards attaining political stability and development,” Prachanda said. 

The Maoist chief said Swaraj was curious to know about the political developments taking place in Nepal.  “The talks we had were very positive and constructive.  She also congratulated the Left Alliance for gaining victory during the recently concluded elections,” he said. 

“EAM @SushmaSwaraj met with Chairman CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda of #Nepal and complemented him on his party’s performance in the recent elections. 

The two leaders discussed steps to further deepen our unique India- Nepal bilateral relations,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

During her courtesy call on Nepal Prime Minister Deuba, she congratulated him on the successful conduct of the recent elections.