Indo-Nepal talks on insurgency on cards

India’s growing concerns over the Maoist insurgency in Nepal will figure prominently during discussions with the Nepalese king Gyanendra, slated to reach here on December 23, on a 11-day visit. This will also give an opportunity to the Nepalese king to meet the Indian leadership after the Lok Sabha elections. Gyanendra was to visit India in early November but has since been delayed. However, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has already visited India after the UPA government took over.

India has been in favour of strengthening constitutional monarchy in Nepal. While joining hands with Kathmandu in their fight against terrorism, sources said that dialogue can be initiated with the Maoists provided political parties in Nepal are able to sink their differences. Just recently, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran had pointed out that by opening separate channels with the Maoists to outsmart their competitors, political parties in Nepal have allowed the insurgents to gain an upper hand.