India must re-think its Nepal policy: CPI-M

New Delhi Dec 21 (IANS) The CPI-M has urged the Modi government to do "a re-thinking" vis-a-vis relations with Nepal following the victory of a Communist alliance in parliamentary and provincial elections there.

"The important political development in Nepal should lead to a re-thinking and change in India s attitude to Nepal " the Communist Party of India-Marxist said in an editorial in its mouthpiece People s Democracy.

"The Modi government should strive to establish close relations of cooperation based on equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of Nepal."

The victory of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) in the elections "is a politically significant development" that "will have its repercussions in South Asia too" the editorial said.

The Communist alliance has won a decisive majority in Parliament in elections held under the new constitution adopted in September 2015. In the seven provincial assemblies the Left alliance won a majority in six.

"The victory of the Left alliance has caused some unease and misgivings in the Modi government " the CPI-M said.

"The Indian ruling establishment has always sought to treat Nepal as a junior partner within its sphere of influence."

The CPI-M urged the Modi government to recognise that Nepal would like to maintain cordial relations with both India and China - its two big neighbours.

It asked New Delhi not to view Nepal s decision to cooperate with China s Belt and Road Initiative with suspicion but work towards strengthening the natural affinity historically and culturally ordained between Nepal and India.

--IANS
mr/ahm