Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to chart a new course in Nepal-India relations in a changed political context.

Lamichhane, who is on a five-day official visit to India at the invitation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, held talks with Modi over an hour in the presence of his wife Nekita Poudel Lamichhane, two party leaders—Bipin Acharya and Deepak Bohora—and New Delhi based Nepali diplomats. External Affairs Minister of India S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, among others, were present in the meeting from the Indian side.

In the meeting, Lamichhane told Modi that his party has no political baggage and seeks to develop relations with India with a new beginning, a Nepali participant present at the meeting told the Post. Modi, while praising the RSP’s impressive victory in March elections, said that India also wants to chart a new political course with Nepal and be a partner in the country’s development journey.

Some of the contested issues like boundary dispute were not discussed in the official meeting. A Nepali participant said concerns may have been conveyed privately by the Indian side, even if they did not figure in the formal discussions or public briefing.

During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected third-party mediation in Nepal-India boundary dispute, in response to recent remarks by Prime Minister Balendra Shah suggesting seeking help from the UK. Jaiswal said the issue should be handled through an established bilateral mechanism.

Lamichhane is first South Asian leader to be accorded such a rousing welcome by the BJP and the Indian government, and was able to secure meetings with top Indian stalwarts like Modi, Jaishankar, Doval, BJP National President Nitin Nabin, among others, in very short span of time.

Modi had praised the article penned by Lamichhane, published in the Hindustan Times on Tuesday, in which he stated the idea of developing and nurturing a new course in bilateral ties between Nepal and India. Two influential Indian ministers—Jaishankar and Home Minister Amit Shah—had also praised the article and Lamichhane’s proposal for elevating bilateral relations through “development diplomacy.”

Modi, during the meeting categorically said that India is always with Nepal and ready to partner in its endeavour for development and economic progress and prosperity, according to an official present during the meeting. “Once you fix your priority, then we know,” Modi told Lamichhane, adding, “then we will extend all possible cooperation to you.”

According to the participant, Modi advised Lamichhne to invest in Nepal’s tourism and hydropower sectors for fast economic growth.

The overall central message of Lamichhane’s visit and his high-profile meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday was that both the government of India and BJP have huge appetite to engage with the new RSP government in Nepal and want a partnership with Nepal in its priorities, according to officials.

Modi also conveyed his regards to Prime Minister Shah. “I have already sent an invitation to him and am ready to welcome him in Delhi,” Modi had told Lamichhane, according to the participant.

After the meeting, Lamichhane on X said it was a great delight to engage in “a productive hour-long conversation” with Modi.

“I share your vision for a future where Nepal and India transcend past constraints to embrace a new era of development diplomacy. By focusing on shared civilization bonds, digital corridors, and seamless connectivity, we can truly build a partnership defined by progress and mutual trust. RSP looks forward to translating these possibilities into reality for people of Nepal and India - for our shared prosperity,” Lamichhane wrote.

After the meeting, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted partnership with Nepal, describing the Himalayan nation as a priority partner under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

Modi too took to X and said, “Delighted to meet the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party of Nepal, Rabi Lamichhane. I welcome and fully share his desire to work closely together for a shared and prosperous future.” He added, “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.”

The strategic and diplomatic circle in New Delhi was following the visit, the ongoing boundary dispute and related statement by Prime Minister Shah, and the dynamics of bilateral relations under the new powerful government in Kathmandu.

Former Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae termed the meeting between Lamichhane and Indian leaders “very positive” and stated that India is sending a clear message that our relationship is of highest importance and priority.

Rae said Lamichhane’s article published in the Hindustan Times was well received in India. On Prime Minister Shah, Rae said, “I think Balen is locking himself into unnecessary difficulties by saying he won’t meet people below a certain level or that he will not go abroad. Why spell this out as policy? It may be appreciated domestically but looks very bad when viewed by foreign countries. He can meet whoever he wants or does not want to, but don’t make a policy that ties your hands,” the ambassador told the Post.

Lamichhane’s visit and meetings with Indian leaders were extremely successful and productive, said Rae. He added that the visit has strengthened mutual respect, trust, and understanding.

Lamichhane and the RSP delegation is scheduled to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Thursday, and he will also interact with the Nepali diaspora in New Delhi.