Saturday, February 26 2005 19:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Pursuing back channel routes to gauge New Delhi's assessment of the developments in Nepal, a close aide of King Gyanendra is on a mission here to clear the air of "misapprehensions" nursed by the Indian Government.

Sharad Chandra Shah's visit comes within days of India making public that it has suspended military aid to Nepal since Feb 1, 2005 when the King seized power and imposed emergency in the country.

India has been pressing for immediate restoration of the democratic process in Nepal.

Both the Nepalese Embassy here and the Government say there is nothing official about the visit.

Shah, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday (Feb 24, 2005) to attend the 'India Today' conclave, met senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leaders and is expected to interact with the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government.

Kathmandu wants New Delhi to show "greater understanding" to its sensitivities. It contends that King Gyanendra, who has emphatically stated that he stood by multi-party democracy, needed some time to overcome the difficult period to restore the democratic process.