PM to consider King’s military aid request

The issue of resumption of military aid to Nepal was raised by the King during the 45-minute meeting and the PM told him that he ‘‘will look at this from proper perspective’’.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said he also explained to the King that India regarded constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy as the two pillars of Nepal’s polity. He said India’s ‘‘action was guided by the recognition that the two pillars must work together.”

The King, Singh said, explained the circumstances and compulsions under which he assumed absolute power. The PM said he told Gyanendra that it was ‘‘important to take effective steps to restart the political processes and work out a roadmap for this purpose’’.

Singh expressed India’s concerns over developments in Nepal, a ‘‘close neighbour’’ with which it shared civilizational ties and a unique intimate relation. The King was ‘‘quite sensitive to these concerns’’, the PM said, describing as ‘‘constructive’’ the overall meeting.

Emerging from the meeting, Gyanendra claimed that he had got an assurance from India on the resumption of the military assistance. During the meeting, Gyanendra promised to restore political process in the kingdom ‘‘as early as possible’’, MEA secretary (East) Rajiv Sikri told reporters. External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh was also present at the meeting. . — PTI