New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leaders Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen Shah) following their party’s resounding victory in the recently-concluded general elections, marking a historic shift in Nepali politics.
In telephonic conversations on March 9, 2026, PM Modi spoke with RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah, praising their electoral triumphs and the RSP’s sweeping success that saw it emerge as the largest party, defeating established left-wing forces, including former Prime Ministers KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal (‘Prachanda’).
Posting on X, PM Modi wrote: “Had warm telephone conversations with Mr Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Mr Balendra Shah, Senior Leader of the RSP. Congratulated both leaders on their electoral victories and RSP’s resounding success in the Nepal elections. Conveyed my best wishes for their upcoming new government and underlined India’s commitment to working together with them for the mutual prosperity, progress, and well-being of both countries.”
He added: “I am confident that our joint efforts will take India-Nepal relations to new heights in the coming years.”
The RSP’s landslide performance, including Balen Shah’s massive margin victory over veteran leader Oli in Jhapa-5 and Lamichhane’s strong win in Chitwan-2, reflects a public wave against traditional parties. Balen Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, is widely seen as a frontrunner to become Nepal’s youngest prime minister.
The gesture underscores India’s longstanding ties with Nepal and eagerness to deepen bilateral cooperation under the new dispensation for shared progress and stability in the region.