Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli will embark on a fence-mending visit to India next week amid strains in bilateral ties following the crippling protests by Madhesis against the new Constitution.
A Cabinet meeting held here yesterday approved Oli's maiden visit to India from February 19-23. Government spokesperson Sherdhan Rai told reporters that details of Oli's visit, his first overses trip, were discussed during the meeting.
The members of the prime minister's delegation have yet to be finalised, according to Minister for Information and Communication Sher Dhan Rai.
Indo-Nepal soured following the promulgation of the new Constitution on September 20, 2015 that sparked protests by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who say the new charter leaves them politically marginalised.
Nepal accused India of imposing a blockade on key trading points that triggered crippling shortages of fuel and vital supplies across the landlocked Himalayan nation. India denied the charge, citing the security situation in Nepal as the reason for blockade.
Oli yesterday said he will not enter into any agreement with India during the trip that would hurt his country's "sovereignty" and "self-respect".
"I will make sure that Nepal's sovereignty, independence, freedom, geographical integrity and self-respect will not bow down," he said.
Previously, Oli had said that it won't be appropriate for him to visit New Delhi until the blockade of key trade points with India is lifted.
Talking about six-month-long agitation by the Madhesis, Oli had said the 'impulsive decision' taken by Madhes-centric parties to enforce blockade to pressurise government on addressing their demands has 'cost the country a fortune'.
More than 50 people were killed in clashes between police and Madhesis during the protests.
The blockade was lifted on February 8 after the United Democratic Madhesi Front called off their protest.
It is learnt that the visit will focus on strengthening the bilateral relations rather than forging new agreements.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who was here on a day-long visit to express condolence on the demise of former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, on Tuesday met Prime Minister Oli and said that India was eager to welcome him and was making all necessary preparations for his visit.
Ambassador of Nepal to India Deep Kumar Upadhayay said Oli's visit to India would focus on seeking India's full acceptance of Nepal's new Constitution.
