Newly appointed Indian ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, called on Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar Wednesday morning.

The meeting comes at a time when the political parties have stepped up discussions among themselves for the formation of new government which is likely to be led by CPN-Maoist following its victory in the recent election.

During Sood’s first meeting with PM Koirala after he submitted his credentials last week, the procedure for formation of the new government, its composition and matters of mutual interest featured prominently, it is learnt.

Similarly, the resurging petroleum crisis, imposition of ban on food and construction materials put by India and other economic issues were also discussed during the half an hour long meeting.

PM Koirala told the Indian envoy that the new government would be formed after a consensus is reached among the main political parties and that the seven-party meeting scheduled for Friday is going to decide on that, a Baluwatar source said.

Sood had in turn reiterated India’s continued assistance to Nepal.

Immediately after this meeting, Sood went to the Home Ministry to discuss border security and the current political situation with Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula. nepalnews.com ag May 07 08