Monday, March 7 2005 13:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: On his first visit to India after the royal takeover, Nepalese Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey yesterday (Mar 6, 2005) met External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and apprised him of the political developments in the Himalayan Kingdom.

Pandey, who is on a three-day 'working' visit more in the nature of reconciliation, is trying to allay New Delhi's apprehensions over the sacking of Sher Bahadur Deuba Government, imposition of emergency and detention of political leaders by King Gyanendra.

This is the first official high-level visit to India after the royal seizure of power in Nepal on February 1. He is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Madhuraman Acharya and other senior officials of the Ministry.

"The visit is related to the current political situation in Nepal," a Nepalese official said.

India has criticised Gyanendra's action and suspended since February 1 all military aid to the Kingdom engaged in fighting Maoist insurgency.

Pandey's visit comes close on the heels of a trip by Sharad Chandra Shah, a close aide of the King.

Though Shah had come to attend the 'India Today' conclave, he utilised the opportunity to meet Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and briefed him on the situation in Nepal.

Outlining India's position, Saran underlined the need for immediate restoration of the democratic process in Nepal.