On Monday, Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his newly appointed Nepalese counterpart, Sher Bahadur Deuba, to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
According to a press release by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders celebrated “the unique and millennia-old people-to-people linkages” that lie at the core of their diplomatic friendship. In this regard, they agreed to “work together to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas,” specifically during the pandemic. Following the meeting, Deuba said Modi assured that Nepal would receive an “early supply” of vaccines. Inaccessibility to COVID-19 vaccines has been a substantial challenge for Nepal, particularly since India restricted the export of vaccines during the second wave from March to May.
The meeting between the two premiers comes hours after Deuba won the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives of the Nepalese Parliament. He received 165 votes in favour in the 271-member Lower House, with outgoing PM KP Sharma Oli and his aides opposing the appointment. Deuba was mandatorily required to call for a trust vote within 30 days of assuming the position. Failure to secure the needed number of votes would have led to snap elections within six months, adding to the political instability in the country. However, by securing the vote of confidence, Deuba has successfully cemented his position as the country’s PM for the next one and a half years until the fresh parliamentary elections.
Deuba has served as the country’s prime minister four times from 1995 to 1997, 2001 to 2002, 2004 to 2005, and 2017 to 2018. His appointment brings hope for the country amid the ongoing political instability that eventually resulted in the ousting of Oli as the PM. While he needs to undo the damage done by Oli to the Constitution, Deuba will also be working on mending relations with India.
India and Nepal have long been allies, with New Delhi accounting for over two-thirds of Kathmandu’s trade. However, disagreements and territorial disputes emerged in the open and tensions between the two neighbours have escalated over the past year. Moreover, Oli was also known to favour India’s regional rival China. Therefore, for India, Deuba’s appointment comes as a sigh of relief, as it could result in the revival of its friendship with Nepal and the realignment of its foreign policy to support India.
Nepal PM Deuba Holds Talks With Modi Just Days After Assuming Post
Sher Bahadur Deuba and Narendra Modi vowed to “strengthen cooperation” in a telephonic conversation that was held days after Deuba took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal.
July 20, 2021
SOURCE: NEWS18