New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane, underscoring India’s efforts to engage with Nepal’s emerging political leadership and strengthen bilateral relations under its Neighbourhood First policy.
Following the meeting, Modi said he shared Lamichhane’s vision of working closely together for a “shared and prosperous future” and reiterated India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Nepal.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi added that India looked forward to working with Nepal’s new leadership to further elevate the special and multifaceted relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
The meeting capped a series of high-level engagements undertaken by Lamichhane during his visit to New Delhi. On Tuesday, the Nepalese leader and his delegation held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and senior BJP leaders on strengthening political, developmental and people-to-people ties.
Jaishankar described the discussions as productive and said they focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and the strong cultural and social bonds connecting the two nations.
Lamichhane’s visit was organised under the BJP’s “Know BJP” initiative, a programme designed to familiarise foreign political leaders with the party’s organisational structure, governance model and political outreach mechanisms.
During interactions at the BJP headquarters, the delegation discussed democratic institutions, governance practices, youth participation in politics and political organisation. The Nepalese leaders also explored the BJP’s membership drive model, grassroots mobilisation strategies and leadership development framework.
The visit comes at a time when India and Nepal are seeking to expand cooperation in connectivity, trade, energy and infrastructure development while building upon their longstanding cultural, historical and people-to-people ties.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has emerged as one of Nepal’s fastest-growing political forces in recent years, gaining significant support among younger voters seeking alternatives to traditional political parties.
