India has agreed to resume military supplies to Nepal and will soon deliver a multi-role Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to it, the Nepal Army said Monday.

 

 

 The decision was arrived at a meeting between Nepal's Chief of Army Staff Gen. Gaurav Sumsher Rana and Indian Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh in New Delhi Monday, said a statement from the Nepal Army here. Gen. Rana is in India on a seven-day official visit.  

 

 "During the meeting, the two army chiefs discussed early resumption of military aid to Nepal some of which is already in the pipeline. Keeping in view Nepal's forthcoming Constituent Assembly elections, India also committed to provide necessary vehicles to the Nepal Army," the statement said.

 

 India has also agreed to provide training in maintenance of ALH choppers to Nepal Army technicians.

 

 India stopped military supplies to Nepal in 2005 after now deposed king Gynendra Shah assumed executive powers in Nepal.

 

 India's decision to resume supplies assumes significance as 61,000 Nepal Army personnel will be deployed to ensure that the Nov 19 elections are held in a free and fair manner, but the country is in dire need of military weapons and stores.  

 

 Although India had earlier agreed in principle to restore military supplies, Nepal is yet to receive any consignment. Nepal Army is heavily dependent on India for military weapons and stores. 

 

IANS