Nepal's Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, is expected to solicit crucial support from India in tackling a deadly Maoist insurgency. Mr Deuba began a five-day visit on Wednesday during which he will hold talks with senior Indian officials. Nepal is facing a deepening crisis after increased rebel violence in the past few weeks.

India, Nepal's biggest neighbour, has expressed its concern over the violence spilling over the border. Mr Deuba is leading a large team of senior ministers and business leaders to Delhi.

"The visit is expected to... solicit goodwill of the government of India to resolve the Maoist problem," Nepal government spokesman Mohammad Mohsin told reporters.

Several big businesses in Nepal have shut recently after facing threats from the rebels. India is also worried at increasing rebel attacks on Indian businesses in Nepal.

Nepal is also expected to seek more defence supplies for its armed forces to help it fight the rebels. In the past, India has supplied helicopters, trucks as well as arms and ammunition.