Reacting to media reports about the likely replacement of its controversy-prone ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood, the Indian External Affairs Ministry has described him as a "distinguished officer" claiming that bilateral cooperation between the two countries has "progressed substantively" during his tenure.
A press statement ascribed to the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said, "We have seen a media article which appeared today regarding the alleged unpopularity of the Ambassador of India in Nepal Shri Rakesh Sood. Shri Rakesh Sood is a distinguished officer of the Indian Foreign Service who has served with dedication and commitment as India's Ambassador to Nepal since April 2008."
The brief statement was in response to a news report in The Telegraph, an English daily published from India, on Thursday about Sood's likely replacement by the Special Secretary of the ministry, Jayant Prasad, as ambassador to Nepal.
"During his tenure, bilateral development cooperation and dialogue between the two countries has progressed substantively," the ministry spokesperson stated without saying anything about his likely replacement.
Meanwhile, quoting sources, The Telegraph said the decision to replace him has much to do with New Delhi's desire to re-calibrate ties with Nepal, especially with the Maoists.
"Of course, he is pursuing India's interests in Nepal, but he comes across as a brow-beater and that harms rather than helps India's case in Nepal," the daily quoted a senior Indian diplomat diplomat as saying. "His tenure has coincided with heightened criticism of India in Nepal, not only among politicians but on the street." nepalnews.com
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