Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assured Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava on Friday that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used against any neighbouring countries.

The prime minister’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

At the meeting at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar, Ambassador Srivastava briefed Prime Minister Oli about the recent tensions between India and Pakistan caused by the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The prime minister’s secretariat said Ambassador Srivastava also expressed gratitude for Thursday’s Nepal government’s statement regarding the incident.

Nepal has called for de-escalation as a measure towards peace. Amid growing calls to clarify its stand on terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday stated that, “During this tragic period, Nepal and India stood in solidarity, united in shared grief and suffering. It may be recalled that Nepal had immediately and unequivocally condemned the barbaric terrorist attack, consistent with its resolute stance against all forms of terrorism.”

The ministry added that, in line with its principled position, Nepal shall not allow any inimical forces to use its soil against its neighbouring countries. Nepal hoped for a de-escalation of tension and affirmed its commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Oli told the Indian envoy that Nepal stands for global peace and, in line with its firm stance against all forms of terrorism, condemned the terrorist attack.

In retaliation for the killing of 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, in India’s Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, Indian security forces on Wednesday night launched several airstrikes on nine “terrorist infrastructures” inside Pakistan.

The Pakistani army also fired missiles in response and vowed to retaliate against the Indian attack.