Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba briefing about her India visit upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday. (Photo: RSS)
Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that she perceived no indications of India favoring a change in the incumbent Nepal government, emphasizing southern neighbor's continued support for democratic system in the Himalayan nation.
Talking to journalists upon her arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Friday, Minister Rana made it clear that though the meetings with the Indian leaders did not primarily feature the latest political developments of Nepal during her India visit, the Indian side appeared in favor of the democratic political activities of Nepal.
"The discussions during meetings with Indian authorities did not much feature about political activities of Nepal. However, every conversation I had with the Indian leaders hinted that India is in favor of the democratic political system in Nepal," said Rana, "They are very much engaged with the current Nepal government. I saw no indications that India is in favor of a shift in the Nepal government."
When asked about her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Rana made it clear that she neither requested nor had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi, but held a meeting with her Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankr in her official capacity.
She said, "I met with the Foreign Minister of India, Dr S. Jaishankar in my official capacity. I did not request nor had a meeting with Prime Minister Modi." She also mentioned that her meeting with Foreign Minister Jaishankar took place on March 18.
It is, however, to be noted that, according to Indian Ministry of External Affairs, she also met with Prime Minister Modi. Hence, there are conflicting reports between the statements of Foreign Minister Rana and the statements released by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Minister Rana, who left for India on March 10, attended the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 that kicked off in New Delhi on March 17 and came to an end on March 19. The three-day international dialogue was organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
The prime ministers and foreign ministers, leaders and policy makers from various countries across the world participated in the Raisina Dialogue.
Minister Rana addressed separate sessions titled 'Status and Problems of Climate Change and What the South wants?' on behalf of Nepal, apart from addressing the 'Digital Public Infrastructure Conclave'.
Additionally, besides Dr S Jaishankar, she also held meetings with her counterparts from other friendly countries on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.
Earlier, after landing in India, Minister Rana visited Baba Baidyanath Dham, a religious site where she offered worships in Jharkhand.
Minister Rana returned home today wrapping up her 12-day visit to India.
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