India has assured its northern neighbor of its full cooperation to tackle the long-running Maoist insurgency.

Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, and other senior officials told visiting Nepali premier, Sher Bahadur Deuba, in New Delhi Thursday that India was willing to provide Nepal ‘every possible help’ in its fight against Maoist insurgency and other problems, reports said.

They said India viewed Maoist insurgency as a “common problem” and that it was ready to extend “any help” required by Nepal. With a long and porous border with Nepal, India is also concerned over possible spillover of Maoist problem in states like Bihar, UP, Uttaranchal and Assam, Indian newspaper reports said.

Hindustan Times, a leading Indian daily, reported Friday quoting official sources that premier Deuba had urged India “to play a larger role in curbing the activities of the guerrillas.” The rebels enforced a week-long destabilizing economic blockade of Kathmandu last month, said Deuba adding, the insurgents were extorting money, killing innocents and abducting children to train them as guerrillas.

After nearly 45 minutes one-on-one meeting with his Indian counterpart at Hyderabad House Thursday, Deuba told reporters that he found the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of India had given priority in improving relations with its neighbors.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed issues ranging from the Maoists, reviewing of the 1950 Treaty, border problems, inundation problems and trade related aspects.

Annapurna Post and The Himalayan Times dailies reported Friday, quoting sources, that India has also agreed to provide two Advanced Light helicopters to Nepal to help fight the Maoists. It will be part of the on-going Indian assistance, military and otherwise, to Nepal. Nepali officials are yet to confirm it.

“We are already getting security and intelligence support from India. We wanted this cooperation to be strengthened,” said PM Deuba. He did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, both the countries have signed on four different memorandum of understandings (MoU) on Thursday. The agreements include laying down of oil pipeline between Raxaul and Amlekhgunj; cultural and sports cooperation, cooperation on weather forecasting; and mutual recognition of standards.

Premier Deuba called on Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam and also had separate meetings with External Affairs Minister of India K. Natwar Singh, Home Minister Shivaraj Patil and Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Deuba is to meet Minister of Water Resources of India and leader of the opposition in the Indian parliament, L. K. Advani, separately on Friday. He will also address the Indian business community over a luncheon meeting. nepalnews.com by Sep 10 04