NEW DELHI: With Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by 35-year-old rapper turned politician Balendra Shah, set to win Nepal polls by a landslide, PM Narendra Modi warmly congratulated the people and govt of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections.”It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly,” said Modi in a post on X. With counting still in progress, the PM didn’t name Shah, the likely new leader whose party RSP is dominating the count in the elections that were held six months after the violent, so-called Gen-Z protests that toppled Nepal’s govt and left 77 dead.”This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey,” said Modi in a post on X.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranFresh Food Airlifted Into UAE: LuLu flies 80,000 kg of Indian produce; more imports planned‘Xi’s world order died with Khamenei’: The good, the bad, and ugly of US-Iran war for China”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,” added the PM.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah hasn’t given much away in terms of what his foreign policy is going to be like, except that it will most likely be driven by his Nepal First hyper-nationalism. He has projected himself as someone who won’t succumb to foreign influence – unlike the established political parties – when it comes to ties with countries like India, China and the US.Shah lashed out at all three countries in a Facebook post last year but later deleted it. In 2023, in his mayoral office, Shah placed a map of “Greater Nepal” – that showed Indian territory as part of Nepal – apparently as a counter to a mural in Parliament depicting the geographical spread of the ancient Ashoka empire.Shah has cultivated the image of an outsider who views all three major powers (India, China, and the US) with equal skepticism and believes in neutrality. His party maintains that it will pursue balanced relationships with major powers.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC, BJP Engage In War Of Words Over Change In Governor Ahead of Assembly ElectionsTMC RS Nominee Menaka Guruswamy Declares: ‘Shall Fight EC in Every Court’ in Fiery First SpeechNishant Kumar Will Make Political Debut On March 8, To Formally Join JD(U) After Nitish’s RS Move‘What Went Through The Administration’s Mind?’ Droupadi Murmu Flags Lapse, Mentions Mamata BanerjeeThe Khamenei’s Killer: Israeli Missile Family India Is Quietly Acquiring | WatchBJP Blasts TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Shocking Remark Against CEC Gyanesh KumarNo Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Set To Support Resolution In Parliament”Future Is In Countries Like India…” Piyush Goyal Hails India As Engine Of Growth’PM Modi Betrayed India’: Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack Over US Trade Deal, Russian OilLPG Cylinder Price Rise Heats Up Inflation Debate As Opposition Targets Modi Government123PhotostoriesExclusive – The 50’s Divya Agarwal breaks silence on divorce rumours with husband Apurva Padgaonkar; says ‘We live in separate houses…’How to make Bihari-style Champaran Mutton for dinner at home6 things you should never ignore in car maintenance10 desi Indian ways to enjoy Oats for dinner and dessert7 bedroom plants for better sleep and cleaner indoor airFrom iron deficiency to lung disease: Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problemsAllu Arjun’s brother Allu Sirish marries Nayanika Reddy: Bride dazzles in diamonds and Kanjivaram saree, groom steals show in ivory sherwani6 most luxurious homes owned by Indian cricketers with estimated prices5 famous war museums around the world travellers can visitWalt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage…”: 5 lessons it teaches students123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersDwarka ExpresswayUttam Nagar murderIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
NEW DELHI: With Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by 35-year-old rapper turned politician Balendra Shah, set to win Nepal polls by a landslide, PM Narendra Modi warmly congratulated the people and govt of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections.“It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly,” said Modi in a post on X. With counting still in progress, the PM didn’t name Shah, the likely new leader whose party RSP is dominating the count in the elections that were held six months after the violent, so-called Gen-Z protests that toppled Nepal’s govt and left 77 dead.“This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey,” said Modi in a post on X.“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,” added the PM.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah hasn’t given much away in terms of what his foreign policy is going to be like, except that it will most likely be driven by his Nepal First hyper-nationalism. He has projected himself as someone who won’t succumb to foreign influence – unlike the established political parties – when it comes to ties with countries like India, China and the US.Shah lashed out at all three countries in a Facebook post last year but later deleted it. In 2023, in his mayoral office, Shah placed a map of “Greater Nepal” – that showed Indian territory as part of Nepal – apparently as a counter to a mural in Parliament depicting the geographical spread of the ancient Ashoka empire.Shah has cultivated the image of an outsider who views all three major powers (India, China, and the US) with equal skepticism and believes in neutrality. His party maintains that it will pursue balanced relationships with major powers.
