New Delhi: India on Thursday said it was closely monitoring the situation in Nepal as the Himalayan nation witnesses fast-paced political developments after the Maoists announced withdrawal of support to the K P Oli government only to reverse the decision later.
"These are internal political developments in Nepal and it will not be appropriate for me to comment on those. But, of course, as a close neighbour, we are following the developments in Nepal very closely," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, replying to a question.
Nepal's main Maoist party UCPN (M) had plunged the country into a new political crisis as it announced the decision to form a new government under its leader Prachanda with support from Nepali Congress.
However, the Maoist party today made a U-turn and decided not to withdraw support to the coalition government "for the time being".
The decision to continue support to the coalition came following a meeting of the top leaders of the coalition at the residence of the Maoist chief Prachanda at Baluwatar this morning.
Prachanda, known for his anti-India stance, had served as Prime Minister of Nepal for a brief period from August 18, 2008 to May 25, 2009.
Asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to to Lumbini in Nepal for the Buddha Purnima function this month, Swarup said, "There are no immediate plans for the Prime Minister to visit Nepal. We are aware of the invitation that has been received for the conference in Lumbini."
He said India will be represented at the event at an appropriate level.
