Kathmandu, Dec. 31: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of India has called the remarks made by K.R. Malkani, BJP’s former vice president, as unfortunate and said it no way reflects the views of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

A press statement issued by BJP’s President Bangaru Laxman, and signed by its Vice President K. Jana Krishnamurthi, has said the BJP was committed to strengthening traditional ties of goodwill and friendship between India and Nepal.

“We fully respect Nepal’s sovereignty and cultural identity,” the press statement says. The people of India and Nepal should remain vigilant and ensure that nothing is allowed to come in the way of the close and cordial relations between our two countries, it said.

Malkani was reported as making remarks, which are detrimental to the sovereignty of Nepal.

Meanwhile, RSS adds: A spokesman of the Indian Government has said that the remarks reported to have been made by K.R. Malkani do not, in any way, reflect the views of the government of India.

In a statement received through the Indian embassy here today, the spokesman has said India has long standing, close and friendly relations with Nepal and the Nepalese people based on the fullest respect for each other’s sovereignty and national aspirations.

“It is important that at this juncture we avoid any misunderstanding and misperception and work to strengthen the traditional ties of goodwill and friendship between the peoples of the two countries”, he said.