PM Modi congratulates Nepal’s new PM Balen Shah, pledges stronger bilateral ties

New Delhi, Mar 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal, expressing confidence in his leadership and reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties. In a message posted on X, PM Modi said Shah’s appointment reflects the trust placed in him by the people of Nepal. He also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between the two neighbours.

“Warm congratulations to Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples,” Modi said.

After the new Nepal PM took oath in the evening, PM Modi in a message on X in Hindi said,” Heartfelt congratulations to Balendra Shah on taking oath as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your assumption of office reflects the trust that the people of Nepal have placed in your leadership. I am confident that together we will take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to new heights, for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.”

According to PTI, Shah, popularly known as “Balen” was appointed Prime Minister by President Ramchandra Paudel under Article 76(1) of Nepal’s Constitution. At 35, Shah becomes the youngest person to hold the top executive office in the Himalayan nation, signalling a significant generational shift in Nepal’s political landscape. A former rapper-turned-politician, he rose to prominence through his unconventional campaign style and strong appeal among urban youth. Shah is the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new political force that has gained traction amid public frustration with traditional parties. His appointment is also historically significant as he becomes the first Prime Minister from Nepal’s Madhes region, a development seen as a step towards broader regional representation in national leadership.

Focus on India-Nepal relations

India and Nepal share deep-rooted cultural, economic, and strategic ties, and Modi’s message signals New Delhi’s intent to maintain continuity and strengthen engagement with Kathmandu under the new leadership. Observers say Shah’s tenure will be closely watched, both for his domestic reform agenda and his approach to balancing Nepal’s relationships with key regional players, including India and China. With a youthful mandate and rising public expectations, Shah now faces the challenge of translating popular support into effective governance while navigating Nepal’s complex political dynamics.