Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that he was "not anti-India" against the backdrop of speculation that a crisis created by Nepal's new constitution has affected relations between the two countries.

Oli and Modi discussed a range of bilateral issues on phone. The call, made by Oli, lasted 20 minutes and the conversation centred round the blockade of border points, the scarcity of petroleum products and medicines, and a proposed amendment of the Constitution to address demands of parties repre-sentingthe Madhesi people.

"Our prime minister said that contrary to the image portrayed in some sections of the media, he is not anti-India and wants to strengthen ties with the southern neighbour," Gopal Khanal, Oli's foreign affairs advisor, told Hindustan Times.

Madhesis residing in the Terai plains bordering India have been protesting

against the Constitution for four months. They have blocked key border points, including the one at Birganj that accounts for nearly 70% of bilateral trade. Nepali accused India of backing the blockade, a charge denied by New Delhi.

Modi first called Oli to congratulate him on his election to the prime minister's post in October. The two leaders talked again on

November 2, when they discussed the blockade. Since then, there has been a chill.

Officials said Modi also asked Oli to visit India soon, and Oli responded positively. There has been speculation that Oli might make his first foreign trip to

China and not to India, like most of his predecessors.

Modi reportedly told Oli that petroleum products, medicines and other essential goods are being supplied through other border points and instructions have been issued to Indian authorities to airlift medicines to Nepal as and when required.