KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday said that Nepal's peace, stability, development and national independence could be possible only through tripartite strategic partnership between Nepal, India and China.

Nepal should maintain delicate balance in its relations with two emerging economies; India and China, to realise its path to economic prosperity, PM Dahal added.

PM Dahal was speaking at an interaction on 'Nepal-India relations and Prime Minister's forthcoming India visit' organised by the Nepal Institute of International Relations in the Capital.

Saying that the country has gained several achievements such as the conclusion of peace process, setup of federal democratic republic Nepal and promulgation of new Constitution amid challenges despite many political upheavals like decade-long Maoist conflict, he said political leaders were taking role in uniting Tarai and Hill lately. "We need all of your support in this regard," he said.

He also expressed his hope to take relations between Nepal and India to a new height. "I want to take a leadership role in taking maximum diplomatic and political initiatives to heal problems in Nepal-India relations for the welfare of Nepal, instead of deteriorating them. I need help from all quarters to this effect," he said.

PM Dahal assured that he would not seal any deal with India during his visit to the southern neighbour that is against the interest of people and the national integrity of Nepal.

Dahal also reaffirmed his commitment in enabling an environment of mutual trust between the two countries where no further misunderstanding would surface unlike in the aftermath of the promulgation of new Constitution in last September.

The PM was of confidence that the visit would be fruitful in catapulting Indo-Nepal to a new height.

Similarly, offering a piece of suggestion to the PM, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Nepali Congress Central Committee member Sujata Koirala insisted on forwarding the ties between Nepal and India in a new way rather than in traditional manner. She argued," Nepal-India relations should be developed and nurtured feeling the pulse of the people in Nepal."

Leader Koirala stressed that any bilateral problems with India, if any, should be settled through dialogue. “The relations should be further strengthened being responsible to the country not by undermining the aspirations of Nepalis”.

CPN Maoist Centre's Foreign Department Chief and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Narayan Kaji Shrestha said they wish to develop a genuine friendship with India. “Nepal-India relations should be cordial and friendly. It is indispensable. Discussion should be initiated in a way to benefit both the countries.”

Pointing out the need of minimum political agreement on foreign affairs of the country, Leader Shrestha said that the politics and diplomacy should be taken ahead in a righteous manner.

Coordinator of Nepal India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and former ambassador Dr Bhekh Bahadur Thapa noted that the foreign policy of the country should be determined on national consensus and the discussion should be held in line with the broader consent.

In the interaction, border expert Buddhi Narayan Shrestha suggested that the Nepal-India border should not be left unregulated and the agenda should be featured in the bilateral discussion during the Prime Minister's imminent India visit.