Sushma Swaraj in Nepal, meets President

New Delhi: Amid the Doklam stand-off with China, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who is visiting Nepal on a two-day tour that started on Thursday to attend regional grouping BIMSTEC’s foreign ministerial meeting met Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

It is unclear whether the Doklam issue was discussed with the Nepalese leadership although Ms Swaraj may well have conveyed India’s point of view to Nepal on the matter. This is Ms Swaraj’s sixth visit to Nepal and the first high-level visit since the new Nepalese government assumed office in Nepal in June 2017. China has done its utmost to increase and maintain its impressive influence in Nepal, especially among the Communist parties there. In a statement, she said, “On the first day, EAM called on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. During her call on the President, EAM recalled the successful visit of Hon’ble President to India earlier this year, which further strengthened our age old ties. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cultural linkages.” The EAM said that the Indian government was looking forward to the state visit of PM Deuba to India.