Former Nepal PM Prachanda meets Modi

Former Nepalese prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Friday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him on the constitution drafting process in the Himalayan nation.

An official release said Prachanda thanked Modi for India's assistance in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year, including the pledge of $1 billion announced at the donors' conference in Kathmandu.

Prachanda is chairman of the United Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist.

Modi reiterated India's commitment to fully support Nepal in its efforts at reconstruction.

He also praised the people and the leadership of Nepal for their efforts in rebuilding Nepal after the grave tragedy.

Modi appreciated the recent progress in the constitution making process.

The prime minister expressed hope that outstanding issues in the constitution making process would be resolved at the earliest so that the new constitution "enjoys support of all sections of the society and helps build an inclusive, stable and prosperous Nepal".