Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh who returned home after wrapping up her two-day official visit to Nepal, expressed the hope that Nepal can hold the election for Constituent Assembly on November 19.

She told media person that given commitments of Nepali political leaders, Nepal will have elections on November 19 replying a query at Tribhuwan International Airport replying.” India is in favor of election on November 19,” Indian foreign secretary Singh said.

“I conveyed foreign secretary of Nepal our support for the successful conduct of free and fair elections by the government of Nepal as schedule. I reiterate the commitment of government of India for the logistic support sought by the government of Nepal well in time for the elections,” foreign secretary Singh said in her written statement issued before departure.

“I conveyed commitment of India’s commitment to working with people of Nepal for a democratic, stable, peaceful and prosperous Nepal. Our aged old relations with Nepal are marked by historical, civilisational, families ties and will continue to be a highest priority for us,” said foreign secretary Singh in her written statement.
Replying the query on the controversy over the birth of Buddha, Indian foreign secretary said Buddha was born in Kapilvastu which is now in Nepal. “Buddha was born in Nepal,” Singh said.   

During her two-day ‘good will’ visit, she paid a courtesy call on President Dr Ram Baran Yadav, Chairman of Interim Election Council Khil Raj Regmi, Foreign Minister Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Chief Election Commissioner Nilkantha Upreti.  On the occasion, they discussed bilateral relations, expansion of mutual cooperation and contemporary situation of Nepal.

Similarly, Secretary Singh had also met with Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and the leaders of the Madhesi parties during the visit.This was her first official visit to Nepal after she was appointed as Foreign Secretary of India on August 1.