Kathmandu, November 12. The United Kingdom said on Wednesday it is holding talks with India on lifting the blockade against Nepal. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office said during discussions in the Parliament that it is pressing India to lift the embargo.
The remarks were in response to a question from Member of Parliament Matthew Offord. The discussions took place before the start of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK. This is the first time an Indian PM is visiting the UK in a decade.
Hugo Swire, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said their attention has been drawn towards the blockade. He appealed the parties concerned to resolve the matter through talks.
He said the UK’s Acting Ambassador to Nepal has taken initiatives with Indian Ambassador to reopen border crossings. The British High Commissioner, Sir James Bevan, also held discussions on removing the blockade, Swire informed.
Meanwhile, the Nepali community in London is making preparations for protests against the blockade, timing with Modi’s arrival there. India had imposed a blockade against Nepal right after its popularly-elected Constituent Assembly promulgated a constitution.
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