Krishna describes Nepal visit as ‘mission accomplished’

Wrapping up a hectic three-day visit to Nepal, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna today termed his first visit to the Himalayan nation after assuming charge as a mission that has been accomplished.

Wrapping up a hectic three-day visit to Nepal, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Sunday termed his first visit to the Himalayan nation after assuming charge as a mission that has been accomplished.

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Krishna’s visit was the first high-level visit by a senior Indian minister after his predecessor Pranab Mukherjee’s trip in November 2008 and follows Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s India visit last year.

“It has been a very fruitful visit. I go back fully satisfied having achieved the mission of trying to understand Nepal and conveying to Nepal that India means well for Nepal,” he said before leaving for New Delhi.

During the past three days, Krishna met a number of dignitaries including the President, Prime Minister, foreign minister Sujata Koirala, Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Nepali Congress chief GP Koirala.

He apprised the leaders of India’s concern at the country being used as a haven by terror outfits and shipment of fake currency and was assured that no anti-India activity would be allowed on Nepali soil.

Earlier on Sunday, Krishna and other members of the Indian delegation including foreign secretary Nirupama Rao met Chairman of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly Subhash Nemwang and parliamentarians from various parties.

Refusing to comment on what type of constitution Nepal should adopt for itself, Krishna stated that the issue is better left to the wisdom of leaders of Nepal’s political parties and India has no role to play.

A joint statement on the visit stated that directions have been issued to foreign secretaries of India and Nepal to review and discuss the 1950 treaty of peace and friendship to further strengthen bilateral relations.