India freezes arms sales to Nepal The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Monday put an end to mounting speculation about New Delhi?s policy towards the new regime in Nepal. It announced that India strongly supports the ousted political parties and put its military assistance for the Royal Nepalese Army on hold till further assessment. However, India will continue its civil aid. The heavily-subsidised sale of arms, ammunition, helicopters and military hardware stands suspended. This is a setback for Nepal?s army that has been urging for continuation of Indian military assistance on the ground that the country is fighting Maoist terrorism, also a threat to India. India?s decision will be conveyed to the Nepalese authorities by the ambassador, Mr Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, who was called to Delhi last week for consultations. However, despite returning on Sunday, the envoy is yet to put in a request for audience with King Gyanendra. This is being regarded as intended to show India?s strong disapproval of the royal takeover. According to the message conveyed to the envoy by the Indian authorities, New Delhi continues to ?strongly support? Nepal?s parties, stands opposed to the 1 February move and would like the democratic process to be restored as soon as possible. As India sees it, the royal takeover will only strengthen the Maoist insurgency and weaken the monarchy. India has once again called for the immediate release of political leaders placed under detention or arrest.