India and Nepal agree on security

India says Nepal is used as a base by Pakistani intelligence

A senior Indian official has said he is satisfied with assurances received from Nepal in talks on security.

Brajesh Mishra, principal secretary to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, held two days of official meetings in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu.

Last week, Indian Airlines resumed flights between the two countries after a gap of five months, after the hijack last year of one of its aircraft.

India is also said to be concerned over the use of Nepal as a base by the Pakistan spy agency, the ISI.

Senior officials from both countries said that they had fruitful and positive discussions on a number of bilateral issues including mutual security concerns.

Mr Brajesh Mishra, who is also India's National Security Advisor led the Indian delegation.

The Nepalese team was led by Chief Secretary Tirtha Man Shakya.

Spy base

Mr Mishra told a news conference that Nepal has assured him that it would not permit "anti-Indian activities" from its territory.

But he refused to provide any details.

India believes the ISI carries out anti-Indian activities, using Nepal as a base.

For its part, Nepal says that Maoist insurgents are receiving training and other support from their counterparts in India.

Nepal's lucrative tourist trade was badly affected by the suspension of Indian Airlines flights.