Indian envoy expresses concern over growing 'anti- India' sentiment in Nepal

Expressing concern over growing "anti- India" sentiment in Nepal, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Friday said, "We sense that this is being used for certain objective - political or otherwise."

"We are deeply concerned with the growing anti-India sentiment. Encouraging such a sentiment is equally harmful to both India and Nepal," he said, while speaking at an event 'Nation Ahead Series' here.

"There are certain narratives," he said, "There is a section which is encouraging anti-India sentiment as it helps them in some way."

Rae said there is a sense of grievances in certain part of Nepal that needs to be addressed. "We have no views on what needs to be done. Our intense desire is that these problems should be resolved. These are political problems and should be resolved through dialogues and negotiations," Rae added.

"There is widespread misperception of India's stand on this issue. We have policy vis-a-vis Nepal and not in relation to a community. If the potential conflicts are not resolved, it may have consequences. This is important for longer stability in Nepal," he said.

"Smuggling is going on at the Indo-Nepal border, which is a matter of concern, as it may lead to violence and law and order situation. There is a vested interest of those who involved in smuggling as they want the problem to continue," said Rae, adding that a peaceful Nepal is essential to India's growth.

On Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal termed reports published by a section of the Nepali media regarding firing by Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) personnel "inaccurate".