Nepal shuts borders with India, China for 72 hours ahead of polls on Friday

 Nepal has shut its international borders with India and China for a period of 72 hours ahead of the local polls slated for Friday, according to the Home Ministry

Nepal has shut its international borders with India and China for a period of 72 hours ahead of the local polls slated for Friday, according to the Home Ministry. The government decided to shut the borders to prevent any untoward incidents during the polls which will be held in 753 local units, said the Ministry. Ministry spokesman Phanindra Mani Pokharel said that a directive has been issued to the respective administration offices of the districts bordering India and China to implement the recommendations.

The adjoining districts have been asked to halt all movements, except for emergency services, during the 72-hour period. Political parties are gearing up for Friday’s elections which come after a gap of five years. The ruling alliance, main opposition, CPN-UML, Madhes-based political parties are among contesting the polls. Nepal shares a 1,880-km border with India and a 1,414-km with China. Out of 77 districts, as many as 42 either share a border with India, China or both…Read More

China hopes for ‘more fair’ business environment for its companies in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet near Chennai in Mamallapuram for an informal summit on Friday

Business Standard: More than a thousand Chinese companies have invested $8 billion in India and created 200,000 local jobs, and they must get a “more fair and friendly” business environment, said Beijing’s ambassador to New Delhi on Tuesday.

India and China should resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue, said Sun Weidong days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet near Chennai in Mamallapuram for an informal summit. “China encourages Chinese companies to invest in India and hopes that India will provide a more fair, friendly and convenient business environment for Chinese companies to operate in India,” he said in an interview to PTI.

“At the regional level, we should resolve disputes peacefully through dialogues and consultations and jointly uphold regional peace and stability,” he said. Mamallapuram, an ancient coastal town, is being prepared the summit, but both sides are yet to announce the dates for Xi’s visit. It is learnt that he will arrive in Chennai on Friday for a nearly 24-hour long trip, reported PTI.

Ties between the two countries strained when India scrapped Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy and bifurcated the state into two Union territories. China criticised India’s decision and its Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly last month…

Read More: China India Relationship