In an exclusive interview with Zee News Editor in Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli opened his heart and spoke on different subjects (in Hindi) to convey his sentiments and his understanding of the ancient ties between the two nations --- India and Nepal, taking pride in the rich and variegated history of Nepal. Oli categorically mentioned that in terms of geography and population, Nepal can be small but as a nation, "we should always talk in terms of universal equality."
Asked about Indo-Nepal relation in terms of two brothers Rama and Laxman, the protagonists of Ramayana appears to have become bitter in the present era as the younger brother is seeking equal status. "In size or territory, we can be small or big, but as a nation, this feeling creates this feeling definitely creates problems, We want the two neighboring countries, two friendly countries that live in a region should retain their relationship in that spirit," he said, adding " The colonial era is over, this era is of mutual respect."
He further said, "The talks must go on as this brings out the truth. When other parts of the continent were in a dark age, we had sages who discussed philosophy. We should take pride in that the origin of philosophy took place in this region. Although the origin of western philosophy goes back to Aristotle in 6th century BC, here we discussed philosophy in 1500 BC."
When asked that you now refused to consider India as the boss, PM Oli said "if India will try to understand tomorrow then it would not consider itself as the boss. There is no need to debate on it further."
On the question of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being elder to him, as he is 70 years old, while PM Oli is 68 years old, the latter said, "Personally, he is older than me, but when two prime ministers sit, the two prime ministers will sit, not the big or small prime minister. Rather, the prime ministers of the two nations will sit."
Oli said, "There are many Prime Ministers and Presidents in the world who are very young. They were not even born when we came into politics. Even though they are young in age, they are President, whether they belong to a big nation or a small nation. As a President, he will have an equal relationship with every President, he will also have an equal relationship with the Prime Minister or the Head of the government."
"PM Modi has no objection to this, but there are many people who consider it bad as I have projected my stature equal to that of Modi ji. I am talking about countries, not about individuals," he added.
On the popular sentiments in India that after the India-China border dispute, Nepal took a neutral stand and rather showed softness towards China, PM Oli said, "We have nothing to do with Galwan episode between India and China. Both the nations are my neighbour."
Referring to the 8th edition of the India map, Nepal PM Oli said "It did not go well with Nepal, we also submitted our diplomatic note, but there was no positive response." he added, "In the politics of nations, our policy is the 'Politics of Neutrality'. We would like to remain neutral between the two mammoth neighbours because we are bound to face collateral damage." he said.
"We have friends on both sides (India-China). Nepal can take initiative to remove the misunderstanding between our two friends. In the relationship, the greatest strength lies in friendship," Oli added.
When asked if he would like to mediate or negotiate talks between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break the deadlock between the two Asian nations, Nepal PM Oli said "Yes, of course."
