Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s emerging political leaders on Monday, congratulating them on their election success and expressing India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
The Indian prime minister held telephone conversations with Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Balendra Shah, who is poised to lead the next government in Nepal.
In a post on X (Twitter), Modi said he congratulated both leaders on their electoral victories and the RSP’s strong performance in the country’s recent elections.
“Had warm telephone conversations with Mr. Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Mr. Balendra Shah, Senior Leader of the RSP,” Modi wrote.
He added that he conveyed India’s readiness to work closely with Nepal’s incoming government to advance prosperity and cooperation between the two countries.
“Congratulated both leaders on their electoral victories and RSP’s resounding success in the Nepal elections. Conveyed my best wishes for their forthcoming new Government and India’s commitment to work with them for mutual prosperity, progress and well-being of our two countries,” he said.
“I am confident that with our joint endeavours, India and Nepal relations will scale new heights in the years ahead,” Modi added.
Modi’s outreach comes days after Nepal held general elections on March 5 following the fall of the previous government amid widespread youth-led protests.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Lamichhane and backed by 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, emerged as the biggest winner with a landslide victory, signalling a shift away from Nepal’s traditional political parties.
The election results reflected widespread public frustration over political instability, corruption and rising youth unemployment.
Regarding foreign relations, the RSP has said it seeks strong ties with both of Nepal’s neighbours while maintaining an independent foreign policy.
Balendra Shah also shares a personal connection with India. He belongs to the Madhesi community and completed his master’s degree in structural engineering from a university in Karnataka.
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