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By C. Raja Mohan
The first visit abroad by the new King of Nepal, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, comes amidst deepening political and security crises within the nation and an increasing international involvement in assisting the kingdom to overcome them. The Government today expressed its strong political empathy with Nepal as it copes with a very grave terrorist challenge from the Maoist insurgency that is threatening the very foundations of the state in Kathmandu. As internal political divisions within the kingdom, reflected in the recent split in the ruling Nepali Congress Party, undermine the ability of Nepal to deal with one of the most difficult moments in its history, India is stressing the importance of a political reconciliation within the framework of constitutional democracy. The spokeswoman of the Foreign Office today underlined that "constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy are the twin pillars that will provide stability'' to Nepal. Pointing to the special importance that the Government attached to the week-long visit of the King Gyanendra, the spokeswoman stressed India's desire to "further diversify'' relations with Nepal whose geographic proximity and civilisational links make it a very special neighbour. Informed sources here say the visit by the King is likely to go beyond ceremony and involve substantive talks with the Indian leadership. Although King Gyanendra is a constitutional monarch, he is a hands-on ruler who takes deep interest in the affairs of the kingdom. All bilateral issues of interest are likely to be discussed in some depth between the King and his Indian interlocutors. As the commander-in-chief of the Nepalese armed forces, King Gyanendra has also been closely monitoring the current, intense military campaign against the Maoist insurgency. In dealing with the insurgency, India is apparently suggesting "a judicious mix of political persuasion and military coercion'', sources in the Government say. India also appears to be pleased with the thoughtful remarks of King Gyanendra on the eve of his visit to India. Reflecting on the complexity of Indo-Nepal relations, King Gyanendra said the two sides should not let "past regrets and future fears'' become "the twin thieves'' who rob the opportunities of the present. Less than two days before his visit, a British-led international conference on developing a coordinated global strategy to deliver effective economic and security assistance to Nepal concluded in London today. The two key neighbours of Nepal — India and China — took part in this conference along with the United States, Japan and the European Union. While working with the Western countries to assist Nepal to deal with its internal threats, India is cautioning against raising political hackles in Beijing which might be concerned about deepening Western involvement in Nepal. In his remarks, King Gyanendra seemed aware of the dangers when he stated that Nepal is seeking international assistance to "help us help ourselves''. King Gyanendra is slated to visit China next month. King Gyanendra arrives here on Sunday evening and will be formally welcomed on Monday morning. He will hold consultations with the President, K.R. Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee. The entire Indian establishment including key Cabinet Ministers and former Prime Ministers will call on the King. After his talks in the capital, King Gyanendra heads to Kolkata and Guwahati where he will visit the famed Kamakhya temple.
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