 "India's interest is in a peaceful, stable Nepal: Sushma Swaraj")
The present state of confrontation in Nepal needs to be addressed by the political parties and the people of Nepal, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday adding that "India's interest is in only peaceful, united and stable Nepal".
"The causes underlying the present state of confrontation in Nepal need to be addressed credibly and effectively by the political parties and people of Nepal themselves," Swaraj said in a statement in the Rajya Sabha on a calling attention motion by Janata Dal (United) leader Pawan Kumar Verma.
"India's only interest is in a peaceful, united and stable Nepal and our approach is completely consistent with these objectives," she said.
The minister also clarified that there was no blockade of Nepal by India.
"Obstructions are by the Nepalese population on the Nepalese side in which government of India can not interfere. There is no blockade by India of supplies going to Nepal," the minister asserted.
"There were incidents of violence resulting in death and injury in regions of Nepal bordering India following the promulgation of the constitution. Our freight companies and transporters also voiced complaints about difficulties of movement and security within Nepal," she pointed out.
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Swaraj also urged the house to consider the merits of a visit to Nepal by an all-party delegation.
"The government would be guided by the sentiments of the house," she said.