India committed to working for democratic, peaceful Nepal: Sujatha Singh, Foreign Secretary

KATHMANDU: Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh today called on top Nepalese leadership and conveyed India's commitment to working for a democratic, stable and peaceful Nepal ahead of the Constituent Assembly elections in November.

"As I have got feedback from different political leaders, whom I met here, I am hopeful that the elections will be held in November as per schedule," she told reporters after wrapping up her first official visit to Nepal.

During a meeting with her Nepalese counterpart Arjun Bahadur Thapa, Singh conveyed: "India's support for the successful conduct of free and fair elections by the government of Nepal as scheduled."

She also "reiterated the commitment of the government of India for the logistic support sought by the Nepalese government well in time for the elections."

The Nepalese government has sought security cooperation from India in the border areas during the elections.

"I conveyed India's commitment to working with the people of Nepal for a democratic, stable, peaceful and prosperous Nepal," Singh said.

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived here yesterday on a two day visit since she assumed her office on August 1.

She held a high-level talks with Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav and interim government chief Khil Raj Regmi during which issues surrounding the Constituent Assembly polls were discussed primarily, Foreign Ministry sources said here.

Singh also called on Minister for Home and for Foreign Affairs Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Unified CPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal.