PM Modi Extends Warm Congratulations to Nepal on Successful Democratic Exercise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly congratulated the people and government of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of their recent parliamentary elections. This comes as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is poised to secure a landslide victory, marking a significant political shift in the Himalayan nation.
Modi Praises Vibrant Democratic Participation
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi expressed his heartening observations, stating, "It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly." While counting is still in progress, the Prime Minister refrained from naming the likely new leader, Balendra Shah, whose party is dominating the electoral tally.
These elections were held just six months after the violent, so-called Gen-Z protests that toppled Nepal's previous government and resulted in 77 fatalities. Modi emphasized the historic nature of this milestone, calling it "a proud moment in Nepal's democratic journey."
India's Commitment to Strengthened Bilateral Ties
Reaffirming India's role as a close friend and neighbor, PM Modi added, "As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and their new govt to scale new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity." This statement underscores India's intent to maintain and enhance diplomatic and economic relations with Nepal under the new leadership.
Balendra Shah: The 'Nepal First' Nationalist Leader
Balendra Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu, has not explicitly detailed his foreign policy agenda. However, indications suggest it will be heavily influenced by his "Nepal First" hyper-nationalism. Shah has positioned himself as a political outsider who resists foreign influence, distinguishing his approach from that of established parties.
His stance involves maintaining a skeptical and neutral view towards major global powers, including India, China, and the United States. In a notable incident last year, Shah lashed out at all three countries in a Facebook post, which he later deleted. Furthermore, in 2023, he displayed a map of "Greater Nepal" in his mayoral office, which controversially depicted Indian territory as part of Nepal. This act was seen as a counter to a mural in the Indian Parliament that showed the geographical expanse of the ancient Ashoka empire.
RSP's Foreign Policy: Balanced and Skeptical
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, under Shah's leadership, advocates for balanced relationships with major powers. The party maintains that it will pursue a foreign policy characterized by neutrality and equal skepticism towards India, China, and the US. This approach aims to assert Nepal's sovereignty and avoid alignment with any single foreign influence.
As Nepal prepares for a new government led by Balendra Shah, the international community, particularly neighboring India, will be closely monitoring how this "Nepal First" ideology translates into practical foreign policy decisions and bilateral engagements.
