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Sept. 20:Nepal today adopted its first democratic constitution - a historic effort that survived war, a palace massacre and devastating earthquakes - but an upset India steered clear of congratulating a neighbour that had ignored its concerns.
The promulgation today represents Nepal's most direct snub to India in recent times. It has triggered questions within the Indian foreign policy establishment whether the Narendra Modi government, despite its overt focus on Kathmandu, reacted too late to a crisis brewing for almost 45 days.
India had consistently supported the drafting of a federal, democratic, republican and inclusive constitution, the statement said, before making it clear it did not believe the document adopted today fitted these criteria.
"We urge that issues on which there are differences should be resolved through dialogue in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation, and institutionalised in a manner that would enable broad-based ownership and acceptance," the Indian foreign office said.
The Madhesi and Tharu parties had flagged their concerns in early August, when it became increasingly clear that Nepal's bigger parties, across ideological lines, were willing to adopt a constitution that communities in the plains found discriminatory
But conversations national security adviser Ajit Doval had with key Nepal leaders last week did not succeed in pulling Kathmandu back from passing the constitution in their constituent assembly this week.
As violence soared in Nepal's plains, foreign minister Sushma Swaraj issued a public statement on the eve of the passage of the constitution - but again received no response.
On Friday, after the constitution was passed, foreign secretary S. Jaishankar flew to Kathmandu in a last-ditch effort to stave off the document's promulgation till fresh discussions could be held.
But he returned yesterday empty-handed, strengthening the sense within New Delhi that he had visited Kathmandu too late. That fear was confirmed on Sunday.
Nepal statute snub to India