NEW DELHI/KATHMANDU, June 3: Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chief Rabi Lamichhane on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while senior leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding Nepal-India partnership through closer political, economic and people-to-people cooperation.
Modi met Lamichhane and welcomed his interest in collaborating closely with India for a shared and prosperous future for both nations.
In a post on X, PM Modi 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.”
“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,” he added.
Following the hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Lamichhane, who is on a five-day tour of the southern neighbour starting June 1, wrote on X that the RSP looks forward to translating these possibilities into reality for the people of Nepal and India for their shared prosperity.
“I share your vision for a future where Nepal and India transcend past constraints to embrace a new era of development diplomacy,” he said after meeting PM Modi.
Lamichhane, who leads the largest party in Nepal’s House of Representatives, is on an India tour at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin. Besides Nabin, he has met top Indian leaders from both the government and the BJP.
Following his meeting with PM Modi on Wednesday, the Nepali leader wrote on X: “I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with a Nepalese delegation led by RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane, reaffirming the commitment to enhance ties between the two countries.
In a post on X, the Union Home Ministry said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah with the Nepalese delegation led by Rabi Lamichhane, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman, in New Delhi today.”
“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. Both sides expressed their firm resolve to work together for enhancing the special ties between India and Nepal,” the Union Home Ministry added.
Following the meeting, Lamichhane said, “It was a pleasure meeting with India’s Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah Ji, during my visit to New Delhi. We held a constructive dialogue on strengthening the Nepal-India relationship, enhancing security cooperation, and fostering greater collaboration between our parties to promote democratic values and mutual interests.”
The Nepalese delegation also met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Tuesday, who shared an overview of the party’s ideological foundations and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model.
As part of the ‘Know BJP’ initiative, Nabin welcomed the delegation and shared insights on the party’s organisational structure and its approach to public engagement. (IANS)
