Lamichhane, Modi signal reset in Nepal-India ties

Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have signaled a new direction for Nepal-India relations, acknowledging the changed political landscape. Lamichhane, on a five-day official visit to India, met with Modi and other top Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

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his party has no political baggage and seeks to develop relations with India with a new beginning

During the meeting, Lamichhane conveyed his party's desire for a fresh start in relations with India, free from past political encumbrances. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the Rastriya Swatantra Party's recent electoral success and expressed India's willingness to forge a new path and partner in Nepal's development journey. Both sides appeared keen on fostering a relationship centered on "development diplomacy."

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India also wants to chart a new political course with Nepal and be a partner in the country’s development journey

While contentious issues like the boundary dispute were not formally discussed, a Nepali participant suggested such concerns might have been raised privately. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, meanwhile, reiterated that boundary issues should be resolved through bilateral mechanisms, rejecting third-party mediation in response to recent remarks by Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

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the issue should be handled through an established bilateral mechanism

Lamichhane's visit has been marked by a notably warm reception from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian government. Both Modi and influential ministers Jaishankar and Amit Shah praised an article written by Lamichhane, advocating for elevated bilateral ties through development initiatives. Modi encouraged Lamichhane to focus on tourism and hydropower for economic growth, assuring him of India's full cooperation once priorities are set.

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Once you fix your priority, then we know, then we will extend all possible cooperation to you