PM Modi congratulates Balen Shah on Nepal poll win, says India-Nepal ties will reach new heights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9 congratulated Balendra Shah following his party’s strong performance in Nepal’s parliamentary elections, expressing confidence that ties between India and Nepal will “scale new heights” under the new leadership.

During a telephone conversation, Modi also spoke with Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), whose party is poised to form the next government in Nepal after its strong electoral performance.

In his message, Modi congratulated the leaders on their victory and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He said New Delhi looks forward to working closely with the incoming government for the mutual prosperity, progress and well-being of both countries.

The elections have marked a major political shift in Nepal, with the RSP emerging as a dominant force and challenging traditional parties that have long dominated the country’s political landscape. The rise of younger leaders such as Shah and Lamichhane has been widely seen as a sign of generational change in Nepali politics.

India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural and economic ties, along with an open border that allows the free movement of people between the two countries. The relationship also includes close cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, energy and security.

The election comes months after the September 2025 protests in Nepal, when youth-led demonstrations erupted across the country, including in Kathmandu, demanding political reforms and greater accountability from traditional parties.

The unrest reflected growing public dissatisfaction with long-standing political leadership and calls for new faces in governance.