The then Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh's visit was well-received in Kathmandu, at least at the government level. The all-powerful King himself welcomed Foreign Minister Singh at the palace gate - a gesture which was generally reserved only for the heads of state. King Gyanendra, during the conference with Singh, besides dwelling on the Maoist insurgency and security situation, also praised Sonia Gandhi for sacrificing Prime Ministerial seat despite her party enjoying a majority in parliament.