India has said it will initiate diplomatic consultation to find ways to remove the restrictions linked with the political situation in Nepal.During the meeting with Indian’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on Monday, Nepal’s Minister of Commerce and Supplies Sunil Bahadur Thapa briefed her on the hardships that Nepali people have been facing due to the blockade and urged a resolution.
“India has not taken any decision to impose a blockade with regards to the transit and transportation. The transits have been obstructed spontaneously as transport entrepreneurs expressed their concerns over security situation due to the protest in the border areas,” Minister Thapa quoted Swaraj as saying. “Both the sides will have to take initiatives to solve the problem immediately.”
As reports of Indian blockade are beginning to affect other aspects of bilateral relations, it appears that India is looking for a “safe landing” of the issue.Underscoring the fact that a high-level team has initiated talks with the disgruntled parties to address the situation in Tarai, Commerce and Supplies Minister Thapa drew Swaraj’s attention assuring her of Nepal government’s ability to safely transport the goods stranded on the Indian border points. He also assured Minister Swaraj that the political problem in Nepal would be resolved soon through talks. From the Indian side, Joint Secretary at Nepal desk at the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abhaya Thakur and Deputy Secretary Priyanka Chauhan were also present during the meeting. Minister Thapa was accompanied by acting Nepali Ambassador to India Krishna Prasad Dhakal and second secretary Siwani Basnet.
