‘Nepal wants to maintain good relations with India’

RAMANATHAPURAM

Former Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has said that China’s presence in Nepal should not be a cause of concern for India as the people and Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal are keen on maintaining a good relationship with India.

In a brief chat with reporters after offering worship at Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram on Monday, Mr. Bhattarai said, “Nepal and India are closely linked - culturally, historically and economically, and we are keen on maintaining the very good relations.” Devotees from India visited Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and people from Nepal visited the temples in India, he said.

“There is no problem between our countries. Our people and our government are very careful to maintain good relations (with India),” he said when asked about the presence of China in Nepal and China surpassing India on the list of Nepal’s largest donors.

Mr. Bhattarai, who was accompanied by his wife and family members, offered worship at the temple after taking holy bath at Agnitheertham Sea in front of the temple and various theerthams inside the temple. Their parents wanted to visit and offer worship at the temple but could not make it, he said, adding he and his wife had come to fulfil their wishes.

Later, accompanied by A.P.J.M. Sheik Saleem, grand nephew of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Mr. Bhattarai, visited Kalam memorial at Pei Karumbu and paid floral tributes at his samadhi.

On the visitor’s notebook, Mr. Bhattarai wrote that Kalam was highly respected in Nepal. “I have always been a great fan of him and drew inspiration from him,” he said, adding Kalam would always inspire humankind everywhere for creating a better world.