Kathmandu: President of Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, on Friday said that he invited both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin to visit Nepal during his recent India trip.
Lamichhane, who heads the largest political party in Nepal with nearly a two-third majority in the House of Representatives, arrived in Kathmandu Friday following a five-day visit to India at the invitation of BJP President Nabin.
During his trip, he held meetings with Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and other leaders of the ruling BJP, as well as some Indian government officials.
Upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday, Lamichhane said, “During this visit, I invited both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President (Nabin) to visit Nepal. Both of them are very positive about visiting Nepal. Once the timing is suitable, the visit will certainly happen.”
As the proposed visit of Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah to New Delhi became uncertain, Lamichhane visited the southern neighbour, where he was warmly welcomed by the BJP leaders.
When asked about when Shah would visit India, Lamichhane responded that the timing of such a visit would depend on circumstances and diplomatic priorities.
“The Prime Minister’s visit will be decided according to timing and circumstances,” he said.
He also appreciated the welcome extended to him and his delegation at the BJP headquarters.
“That welcome was not just for me personally or for my party; it was an honour for Nepal and the Nepali people,” he said.
Lamichhane also discussed Nepal-India relations and the issues raised during his meetings with Indian leaders, particularly Prime Minister Modi.
“As for the discussions with Prime Minister Modi, all of our conversations were transparent and centered on the agenda of prosperity,” he said. “Nepal-India relations become truly deep only when we walk together on the path of economic prosperity.”
He said the two leaders discussed a broad framework of cooperation in areas ranging from sports to information technology. “Without carrying the burden of past policy weaknesses or delays, the current government is ready to move forward through development diplomacy.”
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has reached New Delhi on his first official visit to the southern neighbour for a three-day trip. The two sides are expected to discuss a wide range of bilateral agendas, with Nepali officials saying they will focus on enhancing connectivity.
(IANS)
