India highlights its civilisational links with Nepal amidst border row

India highlighted its civilizational links and COVID cooperation with Nepal amidst deepening border row. 

Speaking at the weekly presser, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "India deeply values its civilization, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal. Our multi-faceted bilateral partnership has expanded and diversified in recent years with increased focus and enhanced Government of India’s assistance on humanitarian, development and connectivity projects in Nepal."

On New Delhi's reach out to Kathmandu during the ongoing COVID crisis, MEA spokesperson said, "India has extended all possible technical, medical and humanitarian assistance to Nepal."

Explaining, "Government of India has also ensured that there is no untoward disruption in trade and supply of essential goods to Nepal, despite the lockdown on both sides"

India has supplied about 25 tonnes of medical aid to Nepal including Paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) medicines, test kits and other medical supplies and has also helped in the repatriation of Nepalese nationals stranded abroad on humanitarian grounds.

Comments come even as Nepal's lower house of Parliament is all set to vote on a constitutional amendment bill that will amend Nepal's political map in the coat of arms. The new Nepal map shows Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as its own drawing New Delhi's ire. Once passed by the lower house, it will go to the upper house and assent by the President of Nepal will give it a constitutional backing.

Earlier on Wednesday, Nepal PM Oli said, "The territory has been separated from us by the stationing of Indian forces and due to Indian Army's deployment, access is being denied to us."

Calling for a diplomatic solution to the border row, Nepali PM said his country has "been raising the issue with India..and based on facts and historic evidences, the area should be handed over back".