Will not forge any accord with India against national interest: K P Oli

KATHMANDU: Ahead of his maiden visit to India, Nepal's Prime Minister K P Oli today said he will not enter into any agreement with New Delhi during the trip that would hurt his country's "sovereignty" and "self-respect".

"I will make sure that Nepal's sovereignty, independence, freedom, geographical integrity and self-respect will not bow down," he said.

Oli is expected to embark on his much-awaited visit to India on February 19.

Talking about six month-long agitation by the Madhesis, that cost the bilateral ties to reach an all-time low, Oli said the 'impulsive decision' taken by Madhes-centric parties to enforce blockade to pressurise government on addressing their demands has 'cost the country a fortune'.

He made the remarks at the inaugural of CPN-UML- affiliated All Nepal National Free Students Union's 22nd National Convention here.

When the students drew his attention towards revising the 'unequal treaties' signed between Nepal and India in the past, including the India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950, Oli said he will work for the welfare of the country.

He said that he will complete the ambitious commitments he had made in the past, including to end the load shedding in the country, within a year.

Oli also claimed that the distribution of petrol, diesel and cooking gas will be eased across the country within a few days. The Madhesi agitation had led to severe shortage of fuel and essential goods in the landlocked nation.

He also said that the country will be independent in terms of food-security within two years.