Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
Modi Rabi
KATHMANDU : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rabi Lamichhane held a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, with both leaders expressing commitment to strengthening Nepal-India relations and expanding cooperation for shared prosperity.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi described the interaction as productive and reiterated India’s commitment to working closely with Nepal’s new political leadership.
“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,” Modi said.
The Indian Prime Minister further emphasized Nepal’s importance in India’s foreign policy, stating that Nepal remains a priority partner under New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
“Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy and we look forward to collaborating with the new government to elevate the special and multifaceted relationship between our two countries to greater heights,” Modi added.
The meeting is being viewed as a significant diplomatic engagement between Nepal’s ruling political leadership and India at a time when both countries are seeking to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, tourism, and regional development.
Lamichhane, who is on an official political visit to India, has held a series of meetings with senior Indian leaders over the past two days. Prior to meeting Modi, he held discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah and senior leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Discussions reportedly covered Nepal-India relations, democratic cooperation, security coordination, economic partnerships and party-to-party engagement.
Diplomatic observers say the Modi-Lamichhane meeting sends a strong signal of continuity in bilateral ties despite political changes in Kathmandu. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, a key transit route for international commerce, and a major investor in Nepal’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
The meeting comes amid efforts by both countries to expand cross-border connectivity projects, electricity trade, tourism cooperation and economic integration.
India has repeatedly highlighted Nepal’s strategic importance within its neighbourhood policy framework, while Nepal has sought greater investment, market access and infrastructure cooperation from its southern neighbour.
Political analysts believe the direct engagement between Modi and Lamichhane could help provide fresh momentum to ongoing bilateral initiatives and strengthen dialogue on areas of mutual interest.
The visit is also significant because it marks one of Lamichhane’s highest-profile international engagements since assuming leadership of Nepal’s governing political force, reflecting the growing importance both sides attach to maintaining close and stable Nepal-India relations.
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