Jaishankar to visit Nepal as PM's special envoy

Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar is to visit Nepal on Friday as the prime minister's special envoy amid the Himalayan country's Constituent Assembly endorsing a much-awaited new constitution.

"Taking stock. Foreign Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar proceeding to Nepal tomorrow as Special Envoy of Prime Minister," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Thursday.

On Wednesday night, the constitution-making body of Nepal endorsed the constitution bill with an overwhelming two-thirds majority.

The latest progress on constitution promulgation has marked a major step forward for democracy in Nepal, providing the Nepali people a great hope for a stable and prosperous country which faced a devastating earthquake on April 25 and ensuing aftershocks, said political observers.

In Nepal, the leaders of major political parties have hailed the constitution as a long-awaited dream of the people fulfilled after 70 years.

"It is the biggest achievement for Nepal and Nepalese. We need to celebrate this historical victory by lighting candles," said Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

The government has already declared a public holiday for two days - September 20-21 - for the nation-wide celebrations of the new constitution.

President Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to unveil the new constitution on September 20.