New Delhi: In response to questions on recent developments in the region and concerns expressed in certain quarters, India on Thursday said it hoped Sri Lanka and the Maldives would keep in mind Indian security concerns and sensitivities, even as New Delhi--in the wake of the Nepalese poll verdict---said ties with Nepal were "time-tested and unique" and that it "looked forward to working with the next Government".
Recent developments in some of India's neighbouring countries have sparked concern among foreign policy observers.
These include the massive Left victory in Nepal and the prospect of Nepalese Communist leader K.P. Oli---seen as pro-China and an anti-India hawk---taking over as the next prime minister of Nepal. According to reports, Sri Lanka has handed over its Hambantota port to China on a 99 year-lease while the Maldives Government inked a Free Trade Agreement with China after pushing it through the Maldives Majlis (Parliament).
On Nepal, the MEA said it welcomed the elections held and "looked forward to working with the next Government", while pointing to the "unique time-tested" ties with Kathmandu. New Delhi appears keen to downplay the impact of a scenario wherein Mr. Oli once again becomes the Prime Minister of Nepal.
