Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Nepal Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa in New Delhi. (PTI photo)
Amid an economic blockade due to Indian-origin Madhesi community protests in Nepal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made it clear that India's only desire is to see the neighbouring country united, inclusive, stable and prosperous.
PM Modi today met with Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa who is in India on a three-day visit.
PM Modi underlined that India is committed to strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship and kinship with the people of Nepal.
Mr Thapa, who also holds the portfolio of Foreign Affairs, briefed PM Modi about developments in Nepal which has been witnessing a turmoil in southern parts inhabited by Indian-origin people ever since the country adopted a new Constitution nearly a month back.
"India is committed to strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship and kinship with the people of Nepal," a PMO statement said.
PM Modi congratulated Mr Thapa on assuming charge as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal.
During his meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Thapa had expressed concern over the obstruction in the supplies from the Indian side especially petroleum oil lubricants, to which Ms Swaraj told him that the "reduced or closure was due to the obstructions on the Nepalese side by the disaffected section of the Nepalese population."
Ms Swaraj told the visiting minister that India was looking forward to steps being taken by Nepalese government to "credibly" address the challenges faced by the country including in the Terai region at the earliest.