India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and RSP senior leader Balen Shah on March 9, congratulating them on the party’s landslide win in Nepal’s general elections.
Modi described both calls as “warm” and posted about them directly on X, making it an official statement from the Indian government. He said India is ready to work with the new leadership for mutual progress and prosperity.
Balen Shah, the former Kathmandu Mayor now widely seen as Nepal’s next Prime Minister, responded on March 10, thanking Modi and saying Nepal-India relations will grow stronger in a “more result-oriented manner.” Rabi Lamichhane echoed that, expressing confidence that the partnership will reach new heights.
The RSP’s victory on March 5 was driven heavily by young voters and the momentum of Nepal’s Gen-Z protest wave. Balen, a rapper-turned-politician-turned-mayor, is now on course to become Nepal’s youngest ever Prime Minister, a fact that has caught serious attention in New Delhi.
Multiple sources, including The Hindu, Kathmandu Post, and The Himalayan Times, confirmed the calls. No tensions or controversies surround the interaction; the diplomatic tone from both sides is clear and consistent.
India is watching this transition closely. And for now, the message from Modi’s desk is simple: Nepal’s new chapter has Delhi’s full attention.
Also Read: Nepal Votes: A Nation at the Crossroads
