“Indian economy will never suffer even if Nepal forgets economic and business cooperation with India. But security issues with Nepal is paramount as a third-country citizen can use Nepal for anti-India activities,” said Muni, who was speaking at the Foreign Policy Conclave organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India.[break]
Talking about denial of Indian investment in hydropower by Nepal for long time, Muni said India would have no problem if Nepal sought cooperation from other countries such as China for hydropower development forgetting India or generate power on its own resources.
Muni said India´s foreign policy is guided by strengthening relations in Asia-Pacific, credible contribution to global economy with increased influence in international forum, strengthening relations with strategic partners such as China, Brazil and Russia and bringing about positive changes in relation with close neighbors in South Asia.
“Nepal has crucial role to play for the sake of Indian security. Only managing border between two countries would not help to fulfill the purpose. There are several issues not related to border that should be addressed,” said Muni, referring to hijacking of Indian aeroplane and circulation of Indian counterfeit currencies in Nepali territory.
Shiva Shakar Mukherjee, former Indian ambassador to Nepal, said Indian foreign policy is concentrated on promoting every avenue of cooperation for peace and economic prosperity of Nepal.
Opposing the view that Nepal is locked with India, Mukherjee said Nepal is India-opened economy with over 1,600 km open border which has to be translated into better cooperation between the two countries.
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