'Nepal a priority partner in our Neighbourhood First Policy': PM Modi meets RSP Chairman Lamichhane; affirms deepening ties
New Delhi, June 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane and underlined that India looks forward to elevating the special and multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were among those present in the meeting between PM Modi and Lamichhane.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future. 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."
Earlier on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the delegation led by Rabi Lamichhane, as both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together to enhance the special ties between the two countries.
The Home Minister congratulated Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government.
"A meeting was held by Hon'ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah with the Nepalese delegation led by Shri Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in New Delhi today," Home Minister's Office said in a post on X."
The Home Minister congratulated Shri Lamichhane on RSP's victory in the elections and conveyed India's best wishes for the success of the new government. Both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together for enhancing the special ties between India and Nepal," it added.
Lamichhane also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
"It was wonderful to meet with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi today. We held a constructive dialogue on strengthening Nepal-India relations, focusing on our development partnership, and multifaceted engagements," Lamichhane said in a post on X.
Jaishankar said their discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties.
"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.
Lamichhane's visit to India is a part of the regular contacts between the political parties of the two countries.
"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," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in weekly media briefing.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm not sure about these frequent political meetings. Nepal has its own internal dynamics and India should be careful not to be seen as interfering. Let them sort out their own government first before making big promises.
Rabi Lamichhane is a rising star in Nepali politics. RSP's victory shows people want change. India engaging with all parties is smart diplomacy. But we also need to address border issues and Kalapani dispute for true partnership.
India should focus more on practical outcomes like infrastructure projects and energy cooperation. Nepal has huge hydropower potential. India's investment in that sector would benefit both countries.
It's nice to see young political leaders from Nepal engaging with India. People-to-people ties are the real strength of our relationship. Millions of Nepalis work in India and thousands of Indians visit Nepal every year. Let's build on that foundation. 🙏
India keeps saying 'Neighbourhood First' but look at the ground reality - trade deficits, border issues, and China's growing influence in Nepal. Actions speak louder than meetings and photos. Time for some concrete deliverables.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.