India Pushes For An All-Inclusive Constitution For The Himalayan Kingdom

India is pushing Nepal to implement a constitution that represents the interests of all sections of the Nepalese society.

With Nepal in the midst of a political churning, India has pledged its backing for the transition, in a move that is also aimed at checking China’s growing influence in the Himalayan Kingdom.

This pledge comes after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal which yielded three agreements, one of which was about India extending $150 million for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Dahal is in India for a four-day tour which presents a wonderful opportunity for both the countries to not only restore the age-old cordial ties, but also take relations to a new high.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. Modi said that Nepal’s peace, stability and economic prosperity (Shanti, Sthirta aur Samrudhi) “are our shared objective”.

2. The Indian Prime Minister hoped that Nepal would successfully implement the constitution through inclusive dialogue.

3. The Nepalese Prime Minister said his country had nothing but “goodwill” for India and that destinies of both the countries are “interlinked”.

4. Modi said India had been privileged to be Nepal’s partner at “every step” and the friendship “is time-tested and unique. We share our burden during difficult times, just as we celebrate each other’s achievements”.

5. The two countries also decided to continue cooperation in areas of defence and security.

6. The two leaders have pushed for speedy and successful implementation of ongoing hydropower projects.