Oli says Nepal territory won't be used against India: Gokhale

IANS  |  Kathmandu 

K.P. Oli has told his Indian counterpart that Nepal's territory will not be used against New Delhi's interests, Indian said here on Saturday.

Gokhale called Oli's view "very significant".

There was a chill in India-ties during Oli's earlier stint as between October 2015 and August 2016 when a border blockade blamed on New crippled Nepal's economy.

There were also perceptions that Oli was leaning towards than

Gokhale said that Modi's two-day visit to was aimed to strengthen bilateral relations "whether it be or cross-border connectivity".

"We are looking into and cross-border connectivity not only with but other neighbouring countries as well," he said.

After assuming office in February, Oli made his first foreign visit to in April.

Stating that India welcomed the restoration of democracy in Nepal, Gokhale said that both the government and the opposition in the nation were parties to it.

He said both sides agreed to be committed towards the stated projects. "We will address this within a set timeline."

According to Gokhale, Oli confirmed to that Nepal will host the the Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) summit this year.

Bimstec comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and

Gokhale also said that Modi's visits to cultural sites in Nepal "suggested that there should be strong people-to-people ties".

Apart from offering prayers at temples in Nepal, the Indian leader inaugurated the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service, a 900 MW hydropower project and announced Rs 100-crore aid to develop Janakpur city.

He also held extensive discussions with Oli, and other government officials to better bilateral ties after which he said: "All misunderstandings with Nepal are over."

Modi also met leaders of opposition parties, starting with former Prime Minister and other members of the

He exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties with former of the (Maoist Centre) "Prachanda".

--IANS

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First Published: Sat, May 12 2018. 15:46 IST