The chairman of Nepal’s ruling National Independent Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, is travelling to India today (1 June) for a five-day visit. It is the first visit to India by a senior leader of Nepal’s ruling party since the new government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah came to power.
The visit comes at a time when political debate has intensified in Nepal over Prime Minister Balen Shah’s recent comments about India.
Lamichhane is visiting India at the invitation of BJP president Nitin Naveen. During his stay in New Delhi, he is expected to hold meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior government officials. He is also likely to meet senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and visit the party’s headquarters.
Efforts Underway for Meeting with PM Modi
According to sources familiar with the visit, efforts are being made to arrange a meeting between Lamichhane and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, there has been no official confirmation of such a meeting.
Lamichhane will be accompanied by his wife Nikita Poudel, RSP General Secretary Bipin Acharya, and party lawmakers Deepak Bohara and Pradeep Acharya.
Balen Shah’s Comments Trigger Political Row
The visit is taking place amid renewed discussion over border issues between Nepal and India. On Sunday, Prime Minister Balen Shah delivered his first speech in Parliament since taking office, sparking political controversy.
While referring to the border dispute with India, Shah said he had learned that not only had India allegedly encroached on Nepal territory, but Nepal had also occupied some Indian land. He added that both countries should sit together in a friendly manner and resolve the issue through dialogue.
Shah’s remarks have drawn criticism from opposition parties in Nepal. Leaders from the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal have objected to his comments and demanded that the statement be removed from the parliamentary record.
Opposition leaders have said that the Prime Minister should either provide evidence to support his claim or withdraw the statement.
India-Nepal Relations Under Spotlight
With Ravi Lamichhane’s visit coinciding with the controversy over Prime Minister Shah’s comments, attention is now focused on how the discussions in New Delhi may influence future India-Nepal relations. The visit is being closely watched by political observers in both countries.
First published on: Jun 01, 2026 08:02 AM IST
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