Kathmandu, January 4

India says that its relations with Nepal are unique and stand in its own footing.

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said in New Delhi today that Nepali Army’s military exercise with the Chinese Army would not affect India’s relations with Nepal. He said this at a press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Indian capital, according to an audio visual briefing report posted on the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ website.

India’s relations with Nepal are bound by history, geography, culture and families, which cannot be described in terms of how they are fructified, Singh said.

Singh was asked by a reporter, Nepal and India have very distinguished relationship in the whole world with open border. India has helped Nepal in all possible ways.  Nepal and China are going to hold a joint military exercise. Will you persuade Nepal not to hold such an exercise which will hamper India-Nepal relations?

Singh replied, “I am also the Honourary General of the Nepali Army. A large number of ex-Indian Gurkhas receive pension from India.  That’s the kind of relations we have.  Our relations with Nepal are so unique that this kind of relationship stands on its own footing.