Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met chairman of Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Rabi Lamichhane and reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted partnership with Nepal, describing the Himalayan nation as a priority partner under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Following the meeting, PM Modi said he welcomed Lamichhane’s desire to work closely with India for a shared and prosperous future.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Delighted to meet the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party of Nepal, Mr Rabi Lamichhane. I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future.”
He added, “Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to collaborating with the new government to elevate the special and multifaceted relationship between our two countries to greater heights.”
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Lamichhane’s visit to India is part of the ongoing political engagements between the two neighbouring countries. During his visit, he also held separate meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
On Tuesday, HM Shah met a Nepalese delegation led by Lamichhane in New Delhi and congratulated him on the RSP’s electoral success. He conveyed India’s best wishes for the success of Nepal’s new government, while both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations.
Following the meeting, Lamichhane described the discussions as constructive, saying they focused on enhancing Nepal-India relations, strengthening security cooperation and promoting democratic values and mutual interests.
Lamichhane also met Jaishankar, with the two leaders discussing the India-Nepal development partnership and expanding people-to-people connections.
“A pleasure to meet Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and his delegation today in Delhi. Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties. These have a crucial role in promoting growth and prosperity,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
As part of the visit, the Nepalese delegation also interacted with BJP leaders under the party’s ‘Know BJP’ initiative. Discussions centred on the BJP’s organisational structure, governance model and the growing role of youth in democratic politics. Both sides also highlighted the deep civilisational, cultural and people-to-people ties that form the foundation of India-Nepal relations.
Commenting on the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India values regular political exchanges with Nepal.
“We have a multifaceted partnership with Nepal that includes government-to-government, people-to-people and cultural relations. We value these contacts as they help in further strengthening and deepening our friendly partnership,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
