Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described Nepal as India's priority partner under its 'neighbourhood first policy' as he met Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of Nepal's governing Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). This marks RSP's first high-level visit to India since coming to office.
Key Meeting and Statements
During the meeting, Modi stated, 'Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to collaborating with the new government.' Lamichhane also met Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and BJP President Nitin Nabin. He is expected to visit Ayodhya as part of his itinerary.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is likely to visit India on June 6 for talks with Jaishankar. This will be the first ministerial visit by either side since the formation of the new government in Nepal headed by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Khanal had previously met Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius.
The visit underscores the strong bilateral ties and India's commitment to its neighbourhood first policy, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaboration.
