Friday, March 4 2005 16:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Mar 4, 2005) said that it has stepped up vigil in the border areas with Nepal following concern that a "further deterioration" of the situation in the Himalayan Kingdom will result in spillover effects in neighbouring Indian States.

The Sashastra Seema Bal, which is responsible for guarding India-Nepal border has been asked to step up vigilance and patrolling along the border, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh said in a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha on developments in Nepal and his recent visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"In view of the current disturbed conditions in Nepal, the question of military supplies to Nepal is under constant review," he said.

India, he said, was in touch with other countries, to exchange views and share assessments in order to evolve a coordinated response of the international community to the developments in Nepal.

Singh said that as close friends and neighbours, India and Nepal shared a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation underpinned by ties of language, culture and kinship.

"It is inevitable that developments in one country affect the other. We are committed to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring political stability and prosperity in Nepal," he said.

The Minister said that India was "deeply concerned" at the recent developments in Nepal following the dismissal of the multi-party Government by King Gyanendra on February 1.