Review of 1950 Treaty on Koirala’s Agenda for India Visit

Nepal Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala on Sunday listed review of the 1950 Indo-Nepal friendship treaty, prevention of cross-border terrorist and criminal activities and boosting trade ties as top priorities for her maiden visit to India.

Koirala (54), daughter of former Nepal Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, arrives in the national capital on a five-day official visit on Monday.

Speaking to PTI News Agency in Kathmandu she said, alleged border encroachment and cooperation on hydropower sector would also figure in discussions with top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Mamohan Singh and her counterpart SM Krishna.

While maintaining a continuum of “economic diplomacy” pursued by her country, the minister said: “The focus of the visit will be on enhancing trade relations and increasing Indian investment.”

“India has played a vital role in Nepal’s economic development and we hope to increase India’s participation in our development endeavours,” she added

The review of the Nepal-India Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 will also figure during the talks, she said adding, India also wants to have a relook into the 59-year-old pact.

The Maoists have long demanding the review of the treaty which relates to various aspects of Indo-Nepal ties.