India says committed to working for democratic, stable Nepal

Amid a deadlock over government formation here, India today said it is committed to working with Nepalese political leaders for a democratic, stable and peaceful Nepal, which is being run by a caretaker administration for over six moths.

This was stated by foreign secretary Nirupama Rao, who arrived here today on a three-day visit during which she is expected to discuss the political situation in Nepal.

Rao, the first high-ranking Indian official to visit Kathmandu this year, will call on President Ram Baran Yadav, caretaker Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Constituent Assembly Speaker Subhash Nemwang later today. Tomorrow, she will hold talks with top political leaders, including opposition Maoist chief Prachanda.

On Thursday, the foreign secretary will meet deputy premier and foreign minister Sujata Koirala.

During her meetings, she will discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest for expanding and strengthening ties between the two sides, Rao said on her arrival at the airport here.

"India is committed to working with political leaders here for a democratic, stable, peaceful and prosperous Nepal," she said.

Her visit here came days after President Yadav asked Nepalese political parties to reach a consensus on forming a national government before January 21.

It also followed the UN Mission in Nepal's (UNMIN) exit from this country's peace process on the midnight of January 15.