The new Indian ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad, assumed office Friday after presenting his credentials to the head of state, President Ram Baran Yadav.
The new envoy has been in the spotlight even before his arrival in Kathmandu Thursday with comparisons being drawn between him and his predecessor Rakesh Sood, whose tenure drew the ire of the Maoists, the largest party in Nepal.
Maoist protests during Sood's official programmes outside Kathmandu valley made New Delhi summon the then Nepali ambassador to India and lodge a formal protest.
Prasad said it would be his constant endeavour to "nurture a strong, productive and mutually beneficial relationship" between India and Nepal.
"There is no bilateral relationship for India of such a multi-faceted nature," the new Indian envoy said.
"Our leaders attach the highest importance to this relationship. Our progress and prosperity are intertwined."
Observing that India and Nepal share the same challenges, of peace, of stability, of national integration, and of bringing the fruits of development to their peoples, Prasad said Nepal's success in meeting these challenges would be, equally, India's success.
Prasad is the son of former Indian ambassador to Nepal Bimal Prasad (1991-1995) who was appointed by then prime minister Chandrashekhar.
Prasad's tenure starts with witnessing an election Sunday with the Maoists and Nepali Congress, the second largest party in parliament, duelling for the post of the 35th prime minister of Nepal.
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