Kathmandu, February 20

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed Nepal’s new constitution as a ‘significant achievement’ in its struggle for democracy, and said its success depended on ‘consensus and dialogue’ among stakeholders.

Addressing a joint press briefing at Hyderabad House in the Indian capital, after a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Modi said he was confident Oli would be able to resolve all issues related to the constitution satisfactorily through political dialogue and by taking all sides on board.

On his part, Oli said the misunderstandings that had persisted between Nepal and India after promulgation of the constitution was no longer there. He said the meeting was “productive and useful” in clearing all misgivings.

Relations between the two countries had ebbed after the border entry points were obstructed by the United Democratic Madhesi Front, which the government of Nepal had called an unofficial blockade imposed by India.

“Our relations are beyond governments and formal talks,” Oli said, “We are linked by history, culture and geography.”

Modi also assured his Nepali counterpart that India was for peace, stability and overall development of Nepal.

“The proclamation of the new constitution in Nepal came after decades of struggle. It is a significant achievement. I appreciate the contribution of the political leadership and people of Nepal,” Modi said. “But its success depends on consensus and dialogue.”

Modi further said Nepal’s stability was linked to India’s security and both countries had vowed to fight extremism and terrorism across the borders.

“We will not allow terrorists and criminals to abuse our open border,” Modi said. “In this context, the security agencies of the two countries will intensify cooperation.”

The Indian prime minister also said when an earthquake hit Nepal on April 25 its pain was felt by every Indian.

Modi said transfer corridors between the two countries could become highways for development and Nepal’s hydro energy potential would meet the need not only of Nepal but also of India. He further said if Nepal wished, India was ready to set up Ayurved colleges in Nepal. He also highlighted the need for immediate construction of integrated check posts along the border.

Oli said sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and mutual respect of each other’s interests and concerns have been the bedrock of Nepal-India relations.

“Nepal has accomplished a historic task of constitution making. The constitution was the culmination of the peace process in Nepal and we received strong and continuous support from the government, political leadership and people of India for its success,” he added.

Oli said India had achieved impressive progress in development, science and technology and communications and “we are proud of this impressive development.”

The PM appreciated India’s role in Nepal’s development process and also thanked for the spontaneous Indian support in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Oli underlined the need of speedy completion of the Detailed Project Report of the 7,000MW Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project. He also extended invitations to Modi and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Nepal.