Wednesday, February 23 2005 11:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India and Britain have cut off military aid to Nepal after King Gyanendra grabbed power and declared emergency in the country on February 1.

"In view of the current disturbed conditions in Nepal, no military supplies have been delivered since February 1," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters in New Delhi yesterday (Feb 22, 2005).

He said that the issue of military supplies "has been under continuous review taking into account the evolving situation" in that country.

The statement comes two days after Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee returned to Kathmandu after consultations with the Government.

He carried a 'message' for the King underlining the need to restore the democratic process in the country.

In London, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said a planned package of military assistance to Nepal has been suspended "in the light of the disturbing situation there".

"We are now considering with key international partners what our longer term policy for providing assistance to Nepal should be," he said in a statement.

He urged the King to restore a representative Government and called on all parties to the conflict to uphold basic human rights.

"Following consultations in London, our ambassador to Nepal has returned to Kathmandu to convey these messages directly to the Government of Nepal," he added.

Before the King grabbed power, Britain was to provide Nepal a package of non-lethal military equipment worth £ 1.34 million.