India's envoy to Nepal today said that bilateral relations at the people-to-people level are stronger than between the two governments as he underlined the need to boost ties by enhancing development and mutual cooperation.
Ambassador Ranjit Rae was speaking at an interaction organised by Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makawanpur district in southern Nepal.
"Nepal-India relations at the people-to-people level are stronger than that of the two governments," said Rae, apparently referring to the strain in ties earlier this year due to the violent agitation by Nepal's Madhesi community who are mostly of Indian origin.
Madhesis were protesting against Nepal's new constitution that divides the country into seven provincial units. Their major demands include redrawing of provincial boundaries, proportionate representation and allocation of Parliament seats on the basis of population.
Rae stressed the need to further strengthen relations through enhanced development efforts and mutual cooperation.
Stating that India had helped construct the first Tribhuvan Highway in 1953 in Nepal, Rae pledged to work for the development of Daman and Palung areas.
"India will form a package comprising sectors such as agriculture, education, tourism and health for the development of this area," Rae said.
A host of speakers who spoke on the occasion laid emphasis on the need to allow thawing of Indo-Nepal ties for the betterment of both the countries and peoples.
