India-Nepal-President
Indian President Mrs Pratibal Patil congratulated Ram Baran Yadav on Thursday on his election as Nepal's first President.

In a letter to his Nepalese counterpart, Patil said that Yadav's election "represents a new chapter in Nepal's historic democratic transition."
Ram Baran Yadav was elected as Nepal's first President on July 21.

The former Himalayan kingdom entered a new epoch since May 28 when its political leaders voted overwhemlingly to end the nation's 240-year-old monarchy and declare a republic after ousting King Gyanendra of his title.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to support Nepal in this critical transition," the Indian president stressed in her letter to Nepal's first president.

She noted that New Delhi attached highest priority to further development of its close and multi-faceted relationship with Nepal.

President Patil expressed India willingness to further strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.