All-party delegation led by Swaraj pays homage to Koirala

A high-level all-party delegation led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today paid homage to India's "true friend" former Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala as country's premier K P Oli said India has always stood by Nepal in its "hour of grief".
The delegation, comprising of Congress leader Anand Sharma, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, paid its last respects to Koirala at the Dashrath Rangashala Stadium in the heart of the capital just after arriving.
"Sad demise of former Prime Minister of Nepal and leader of Nepali Congress has deeply saddened the leadership, government and the people of India. A dedicated leader, Sushil ji was a man of high thinking and simple living," the delegation's message in the condolence book read.

"Nepal's crucial political transition was successfully concluded under his stewardship. On behalf of the people and government of India, we convey our heartfelt condolences. India has today lost a true friend," it said.
The leaders also extended their condolences to family members of the former Prime Minister. After paying homage to the Nepali Congress president, Swaraj met party leaders Ram Chandra Poudel and Krishna Prasad Sitaula.
Swaraj, along with the delegation, later called on Nepalese President Bidya Bhandari and Oli, who said, "India always stands by Nepal in its hour of grief."

According to sources, Oli's visit to India from February 19 was also discussed with the Nepalese leader assuring that he would visit India as scheduled.

Terming Indo-Nepal relationship as "very deep and intimate", Bhandari said it "transcends politics".
"India is extending its condolences on behalf of its people, the government and all major political parties," Swaraj told the President.
Both Bhandari and Oli appreciated the visit by the delegation.
According to official sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached out to all major political parties to ensure that the delegation has leaders from the opposition parties as well.
Koirala, who was Nepal's Prime Minister from February 11, 2014, to October 10, 2015, passed away due to pneumonia at his residence here this morning. He was 79.

After assuming office, he was tasked with formulating the long-delayed Constitution to bring stability to the nation after years of ethnic conflict and the abolition of the 239-year-old monarchy. He was instrumental in the ushering in the new Constitution last year.