India to 'wait and watch' as new Nepal PM takes charge

New Delhi: In a cautious approach to the election of new Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, India on Tuesday said it would "wait and watch" whether he would act on the assurances to assuage concerns regarding the new Constitution to address the current crisis in the Himalayan nation.

However, top official sources maintained that there was opening of more "political space" to discuss concerns of various sections of the Nepalese people. "In last 20 days, we are seeing greater willingness to address the issues which was not there earlier," they said.

Rejecting that there was any inconsistency in India's approach towards Nepal, the sources said even in his congratulatory message Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed the hope and expectation that Oli will carry all sections of the society along so that there is peace and stability in the country.

The Prime Minister has also expressed confidence that the Government of Nepal will address the remaining political issues confronting the country in a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation, the sources said, adding, "Where is the inconsistency?"

India has always asked that issues in the Constitution on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation, and institutionalised in a manner that would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance, they said.

Noting that there has been evolution in Oli's position in past few weeks, the sources hoped there will be "course correction" and Oli would move on his assurance to amend the Constitution especially dealing with proportional representation.

"Whether he (Oli) will do something about it, India has to wait and see.... We hope that now he will move on this 8-point agreement he has signed and made public and we have to wait and watch whether he does that," the sources said.

Asserting that India has to balance its approach while dealing with the neighbours, the sources said, "It cannot be too intrusive neither it can be totally hands off", especially when the events there have spill over impact on the country.

They also asserted that India's neighbourhood first policy does not mean "pandering".

"If we have needs or interests, we will stand by it," they said, adding, "India will not sacrifice its interests nor will it adopt a 'Dhritarashtra' (blind) approach."

Indo-Nepal ties suffered a big blow after agitating Madhes-based political parties staged protests at key entry and exit points between the two countries that created obstacles in the supplies of fuel and other essential commodities from the Indian side which was seen as "blockade" by the Nepalese government.

Asked about India's neighbours- be it Nepal or Maldives-using "China card", the official sources said, "It is overstated."

They also noted that some countries use it for "posturing purposes".

Specifically referring to Nepal's threat of turning to China if India fails to ease the supplies of essential goods, they said look at the terrain and there is nothing common culturally between the two countries.

On whether India was in talks with China over Nepal situation, they said there was no active discussion regarding the Himalayan nation with Beijing.