Congress urges PM Narendra Modi to restore India-Nepal ties amidst crisis

NEW DELHI: Congress today expressed concern over India's ties with Nepal in the wake of recent statements made by its Ambassador amidst growing unease over framing of its Constitution, and said that the crisis could "compel" it to drift towards China.

"Indian National Congress expresses deep concern over the recent developments and statements questioning the time honoured Indo-Nepalese relationship with little initiative being seen on part of Government of India towards corrective action.

"Prime Minister Modi needs to take stock of the evolving situation and take immediate steps for restoration of this treasured relationship and protection of India's interests," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said.

He said that the Nepalese Ambassador Deep Kumar Upadhyay has asked India not to "push it to the wall" by choking petroleum and other essential supplies, which could compel it to turn to China despite logistical difficulties.

Tiwari said Nepal was a key neighbour of India and has maintained good ties which need to be carried forward.

He also recalled that Nepal was one of the first ones to be visited by Prime Minister Modi, who has visited the country many times.

Congress had earlier made a strong pitch for the PM to step in to urgently resolve the problems with the "important" neighbour in the wake of growing unease over the issue of Nepal's Constitution.