Diplomatic progress between Nepal and India as RSP Chairman meets PM Modi and Trump envoy

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane has successfully concluded a landmark visit to India, marked by a productive meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other high-profile leaders. The visit, which took place from June 1 to June 5, has opened new avenues for Nepal-India cooperation and strengthened bilateral ties.

🇮🇳 'Productive and Meaningful': Lamichhane's Meeting with PM Modi

Following an approximately one-hour meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 3, Lamichhane took to social media to describe the discussion as "highly productive and meaningful." The meeting focused on the potential to elevate Nepal-India relations to new heights, emphasizing development diplomacy over past limitations.

"I am extremely pleased to have had a highly productive and meaningful discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nearly an hour today. I fully agree with your vision that Nepal and India should overcome past limitations and move toward a new era of development diplomacy."
— Rabi Lamichhane, RSP Chairman

Lamichhane further stated that both countries can build a partnership based on progress and mutual trust by focusing on shared civilizational ties, digital corridors, and seamless connectivity. "By focusing on our shared civilizational links, digital corridors, and uninterrupted connectivity, we can create a partnership based on progress and mutual trust," he said.

RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Sergio Gor in New Delhi

🤝 Modi's Response: 'Nepal is a Priority Partner'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his reaction on social media platform X, expressing pleasure at meeting Lamichhane and welcoming his desire to work together for a shared and prosperous future. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening ties with Nepal under the "Neighbourhood First" policy.

"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. Nepal is a priority partner under our Neighbourhood First policy."
— Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

🇺🇸 Lamichhane Meets Trump's Special Envoy Sergio Gor

During his Delhi visit, Lamichhane also held talks with Sergio Gor, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump for South and Central Asia, who also serves as the U.S. Ambassador to India. The meeting signals continued engagement between the RSP leadership and the U.S. administration.

🛕 Ayodhya Visit Before Returning Home

Before departing for Kathmandu, Lamichhane — accompanied by his wife Nikita Poudel, RSP Joint General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, and MP Deepak Bohora — visited Ayodhya and offered prayers at the newly constructed Ram Mandir. The visit to the historic temple town was seen as a gesture of cultural and religious significance, further cementing people-to-people ties between Nepal and India.

✈️ Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal Heads to Delhi

Immediately following Lamichhane's return, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal departed for New Delhi on June 5 for a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The delegation includes South Asia Division Chief Gehendra Rajbhandari, Acting Nepali Ambassador Dr. Surendra Thapa, and other senior officials. Discussions will focus on bilateral trade, investment, connectivity, energy cooperation, people-to-people relations, and border-related concerns.

📢 'Main Objective Is to Build a Shared Foundation for Prosperity': Chairman Lamichhane

Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, has stated that his visit to India was focused on Nepal's development and prosperity, rising above personal or party interests. Addressing a program in New Delhi, he said that he came to India to foster dialogue and cooperation at various levels with the goal of advancing Nepal toward a new phase of economic growth and development. Lamichhane noted that although Nepal has pursued prosperity for a long time, it has not achieved the expected results. He emphasized the need to accelerate development through regional cooperation and the exchange of experiences, adding that Nepal can learn from the development achievements India has made in recent years.

According to Lamichhane, the purpose of his visit was to strengthen dialogue with diplomatic and institutional mechanisms and create a shared foundation for economic development and prosperity. He stressed that his visit was not driven by any personal demands or party interests but was centered on the welfare of Nepal and its people. He further stated that since the RSP-led government is still in its early stages, much work remains to be done. He reiterated his commitment to ending the practice of political power-sharing and moving toward a results-oriented system of governance.