Invited PM Modi and BJP chief to visit Nepal: RSP President Lamichhane
Kathmandu, June 5
President of Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, on Friday said that he invited both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party President Nitin Nabin to visit Nepal during his recent India trip.
Lamichhane, who heads the largest political party in Nepal with nearly a two-third majority in the House of Representatives, arrived in Kathmandu Friday following a five-day visit to India at the invitation of BJP President Nabin.
During his trip, he held meetings with Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and other leaders of the ruling BJP, as well as some Indian government officials.
Upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday, Lamichhane said, "During this visit, I invited both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President (Nabin) to visit Nepal. Both of them are very positive about visiting Nepal. Once the timing is suitable, the visit will certainly happen."
As the proposed visit of Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah to New Delhi became uncertain, Lamichhane visited the southern neighbour, where he was warmly welcomed by the BJP leaders.
When asked about when Shah would visit India, Lamichhane responded that the timing of such a visit would depend on circumstances and diplomatic priorities.
"The Prime Minister's visit will be decided according to timing and circumstances," he said.
He also appreciated the welcome extended to him and his delegation at the BJP headquarters.
"That welcome was not just for me personally or for my party; it was an honour for Nepal and the Nepali people," he said.
Lamichhane also discussed Nepal-India relations and the issues raised during his meetings with Indian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Modi.
"As for the discussions with Prime Minister Modi, all of our conversations were transparent and centered on the agenda of prosperity," he said. "Nepal-India relations become truly deep only when we walk together on the path of economic prosperity."
He said the two leaders discussed a broad framework of cooperation in areas ranging from sports to information technology. "Without carrying the burden of past policy weaknesses or delays, the current government is ready to move forward through development diplomacy."
Meanwhile, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has reached New Delhi on his first official visit to the southern neighbour for a three-day trip. The two sides are expected to discuss a wide range of bilateral agendas, with Nepali officials saying they will focus on enhancing connectivity.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. Nepal's internal politics is complicated - they have a 2/3rd majority in parliament yet the PM couldn't visit India? Something doesn't add up. Hope this isn't another case of political grandstanding while real issues like border disputes and trade imbalances remain unaddressed.
Nepal is our neighbor and friend. PM Modi visiting would strengthen cultural and economic ties. We've seen how China has been increasing influence in the region, so proactive engagement by India is welcome. The talk about sports and IT cooperation sounds promising for youth in both countries.
"Without carrying the burden of past policy weaknesses" - that's a loaded statement! I hope it means both sides are ready to address sensitive issues like Kalapani and Lipulekh. India must respect Nepal's territorial integrity while Nepal should avoid playing the victim card. Let's be mature about this.
It's encouraging that regional leaders are prioritizing economic cooperation over political grandstanding. The Nepal PM visit uncertainty aside, this exchange shows India's commitment to South Asian partnerships. Connectivity projects like railways and waterways would be concrete outcomes to watch for.
Waah! India-Nepal friendship is timeless. As a Nepali living in India, I feel both countries have so much to offer each other. The invitation to BJP chief shows mutual respect. Just hope there's no hidden agenda from either side - people-to-people ties should remain strong and transparent. 🙏
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