Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Rabi Lamichhane held discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. The talks covered regional connectivity, trade, people-to-people ties, and strategic cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen diplomatic engagement and enhance regional stability in South Asia.


India-Nepal Ties: Modi-Rabi Lamichhane Discuss 'Neighbourhood First' Policy 

Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane met BJP national president Nitin Nabin here on Tuesday.
The delegation of Nepal’s ruling party, comprising its senior leaders, was accorded a grand welcome at the BJP headquarters on their arrival.

BJP Chief Nitin Nabin Welcomes Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party Chief  Rabi Lamichhane

New Delhi: The president of Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, will make a five-day official visit to India starting Monday at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin, the two parties have announced.&nbsp;Mr Lamichhane, a prominent Nepali politician and former deputy prime minister, is expected to hold high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi with senior BJP leadership, including Mr Nabin. The visit, from 1 to 5 June, also includes engagements with the Nepali community in India and a personal trip to Ayodhya.&nbsp;In a press release, the BJP described the visit as an opportunity to “initiate party-to-party engagement” between the two organisations. “The visit seeks to initiate party-to-party engagement between RSP and BJP and provide an opportunity for exchange of views on organisational practices, democratic processes and people-centric political outreach,” the statement said.&nbsp;The BJP press release added that the delegation, led by Mr Lamichhane, would meet Mr Nabin and other senior leaders. The statement by Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, the party’s in-charge of foreign affairs, said, “The BJP welcomes the delegation and looks forward to constructive dialogue.”&nbsp;The RSP’s own statement provided further details. “Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will be visiting India from June 1 to June 5 at the invitation of Mr. Nitin Nabin, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” it said.&nbsp;“During his visit, President Lamichhane will engage in high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi, including discussions with the top leadership of the BJP. Furthermore, the visit includes meetings with the Nepali community and party well-wishers residing in India, alongside a personal trip to Ayodhya.”&nbsp;The official RSP delegation includes senior figures such as Bipin Kumar Acharya, Joint General Secretary and Member of the House of Representatives; Deepak Bohora, Secretariat Member and Member of the House of Representatives; Nikita Poudel and Pradip Acharya. The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is coordinating the high-level engagements.&nbsp;Rabi Lamichhane, 50, is one of Nepal’s most influential political figures. A former television journalist turned populist leader, he founded the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in 2022. The party has rapidly risen as a major force, capitalising on public anger against traditional parties. Lamichhane has served twice as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.&nbsp;

BJP described the visit of Rashtriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane as an opportunity to initiate party-to-party engagement. Lamichhane will engage in high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi, including discussions with BJP top leadership.

New Delhi: The president of Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, will make a five-day official visit to India starting Monday at the invitation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin, the two parties have announced. Mr Lamichhane, a prominent Nepali politician and former deputy prime minister, is expected to hold high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi with senior BJP leadership, including Mr Nabin. The visit, from 1 to 5 June, also includes engagements with the Nepali community in India and a personal trip to Ayodhya. In a press release, the BJP described the visit as an opportunity to “initiate party-to-party engagement” between the two organisations. “The visit seeks to initiate party-to-party engagement between RSP and BJP and provide an opportunity for exchange of views on organisational practices, democratic processes and people-centric political outreach,” the statement said. The BJP press release added that the delegation, led by Mr Lamichhane, would meet Mr Nabin and other senior leaders. The statement by Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, the party’s in-charge of foreign affairs, said, “The BJP welcomes the delegation and looks forward to constructive dialogue.” The RSP’s own statement provided further details. “Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will be visiting India from June 1 to June 5 at the invitation of Mr. Nitin Nabin, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),” it said. “During his visit, President Lamichhane will engage in high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi, including discussions with the top leadership of the BJP. Furthermore, the visit includes meetings with the Nepali community and party well-wishers residing in India, alongside a personal trip to Ayodhya.” The official RSP delegation includes senior figures such as Bipin Kumar Acharya, Joint General Secretary and Member of the House of Representatives; Deepak Bohora, Secretariat Member and Member of the House of Representatives; Nikita Poudel and Pradip Acharya. The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi is coordinating the high-level engagements. Rabi Lamichhane, 50, is one of Nepal’s most influential political figures. A former television journalist turned populist leader, he founded the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in 2022. The party has rapidly risen as a major force, capitalising on public anger against traditional parties. Lamichhane has served twice as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

BJP described the visit of Rashtriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane as an opportunity to initiate party-to-party engagement. Lamichhane will engage in high-level political and diplomatic meetings in New Delhi, including discussions with BJP top leadership.

Nepal’s Rabi Lamichhane to visit India for talks with ruling party BJP

Nepal’s political landscape is shifting rapidly ahead of the March elections, with indications that Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen and Minister of Energy Kulman Ghising may align with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in what could become a major challenge to Nepal’s traditional political forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;RSP is moving to build a formidable political bloc by bringing prominent national figures into its fold, aiming to challenge Nepal’s traditional parties.&nbsp;Despite being in custody, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane has been negotiating with Shah and his team from behind bars. Shah, a figure many in Nepal’s Gen Z see as a potential national leader. According to leaders familiar with the talks, RSP Vice President Swarnim Wagle and Shishir Khanal are leading the discussions from the party’s side. Kumar Ben, a close aide of Shah, has been representing him in these discussions.&nbsp;Parallel negotiations are also underway with Kulman Ghising, the widely popular figure credited with ending Nepal’s load-shedding crisis. Ghising, who recently launched the Ujyalo Nepal Party, is in talks for a potential senior leadership role within RSP. Sources say he is likely to join the emerging RSP-Balen bloc.&nbsp;Shah is expected to contest either from a constituency in Kathmandu or Jhapa-5, potentially setting up a direct contest against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on his home turf. Oli has won from Jhapa six times in the past across multiple constituencies, making the showdown one of the most closely watched potential races of 2026.&nbsp;Shah’s potential role within the RSP-led coalition has reportedly already been outlined. According to negotiators, he has made it clear he is not seeking the prime ministership but is willing to support the party’s organisational expansion and serve as a key figure in the alliance.&nbsp;Sources involved in the negotiations confirmed to WION that both sides have reached an understanding to unite for the March elections with an ambitious goal: securing a two-thirds majority in parliament. Their shared goal is to form a stable government and break the decade-long cycle of hung parliaments that has defined Nepal’s political landscape.&nbsp;The youth wave extends beyond Shah. Gen Z leaders Sudan Gurung and Purushottam Yadav are also likely to join the bloc. Many emerging leaders believe that forming multiple small parties will dilute their impact, and consolidation under one platform offers a more powerful alternative to challenge Nepal’s traditional parties. Talks are now expanding to provincial-level alliances as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;A formal announcement is expected after Rabi Lamichhane is released from detention.&nbsp;Formed in 2022, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has quickly capitalised on voter frustration with Nepal’s old political guard. This is viewed as a coalition built on two of Nepal’s most influential new-age leaders. Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah are among the most followed and closely watched public figures in Nepal today.&nbsp;RSP’s rapid rise in the 2022 general elections, becoming the fourth-largest party within months of its creation, reflected Lamichhane’s widespread appeal among urban and young voters frustrated with corruption and status quo politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shah, who won the Kathmandu mayoral race with a record-breaking independent vote margin, has maintained exceptional public support through his assertive governance style, large digital following and ability to mobilise youth sentiment on civic issues. Shah had expressed his support for Gen-Z-led protests against corruption.&nbsp;Their combined appeal, youth culture and anti-establishment sentiment are seen by observers as a potentially disruptive force capable of reshaping Nepal’s electoral landscape.&nbsp;The September Gen Z uprising, fueled by frustration over corruption, censorship and unaccountable governance, has shaken Nepal’s traditional parties. It has triggered internal conversations about leadership changes in major parties, including CPN-UML, Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre, with lawmakers challenging long-standing party presidents.&nbsp;Nepal’s politics have often resembled a game of musical chairs, three former prime ministers - KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ have repeatedly returned to power. In 17 years as a republic, Nepal has had 14 governments, and no leader has completed a full five-year term.&nbsp;With the March elections approaching, the contest is shaping up to be a clash between entrenched parties fighting to hold on to power and a new generation of leaders seeking to redefine Nepal’s political future.&nbsp;

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and Minister of Energy Kulman Ghising may align with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in what could become a major challenge to Nepal’s traditional political forces. 

Nepal’s political landscape is shifting rapidly ahead of the March elections, with indications that Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen and Minister of Energy Kulman Ghising may align with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in what could become a major challenge to Nepal’s traditional political forces. RSP is moving to build a formidable political bloc by bringing prominent national figures into its fold, aiming to challenge Nepal’s traditional parties. Despite being in custody, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane has been negotiating with Shah and his team from behind bars. Shah, a figure many in Nepal’s Gen Z see as a potential national leader. According to leaders familiar with the talks, RSP Vice President Swarnim Wagle and Shishir Khanal are leading the discussions from the party’s side. Kumar Ben, a close aide of Shah, has been representing him in these discussions. Parallel negotiations are also underway with Kulman Ghising, the widely popular figure credited with ending Nepal’s load-shedding crisis. Ghising, who recently launched the Ujyalo Nepal Party, is in talks for a potential senior leadership role within RSP. Sources say he is likely to join the emerging RSP-Balen bloc. Shah is expected to contest either from a constituency in Kathmandu or Jhapa-5, potentially setting up a direct contest against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on his home turf. Oli has won from Jhapa six times in the past across multiple constituencies, making the showdown one of the most closely watched potential races of 2026. Shah’s potential role within the RSP-led coalition has reportedly already been outlined. According to negotiators, he has made it clear he is not seeking the prime ministership but is willing to support the party’s organisational expansion and serve as a key figure in the alliance. Sources involved in the negotiations confirmed to WION that both sides have reached an understanding to unite for the March elections with an ambitious goal: securing a two-thirds majority in parliament. Their shared goal is to form a stable government and break the decade-long cycle of hung parliaments that has defined Nepal’s political landscape. The youth wave extends beyond Shah. Gen Z leaders Sudan Gurung and Purushottam Yadav are also likely to join the bloc. Many emerging leaders believe that forming multiple small parties will dilute their impact, and consolidation under one platform offers a more powerful alternative to challenge Nepal’s traditional parties. Talks are now expanding to provincial-level alliances as well. A formal announcement is expected after Rabi Lamichhane is released from detention. Formed in 2022, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has quickly capitalised on voter frustration with Nepal’s old political guard. This is viewed as a coalition built on two of Nepal’s most influential new-age leaders. Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah are among the most followed and closely watched public figures in Nepal today. RSP’s rapid rise in the 2022 general elections, becoming the fourth-largest party within months of its creation, reflected Lamichhane’s widespread appeal among urban and young voters frustrated with corruption and status quo politics. Shah, who won the Kathmandu mayoral race with a record-breaking independent vote margin, has maintained exceptional public support through his assertive governance style, large digital following and ability to mobilise youth sentiment on civic issues. Shah had expressed his support for Gen-Z-led protests against corruption. Their combined appeal, youth culture and anti-establishment sentiment are seen by observers as a potentially disruptive force capable of reshaping Nepal’s electoral landscape. The September Gen Z uprising, fueled by frustration over corruption, censorship and unaccountable governance, has shaken Nepal’s traditional parties. It has triggered internal conversations about leadership changes in major parties, including CPN-UML, Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre, with lawmakers challenging long-standing party presidents. Nepal’s politics have often resembled a game of musical chairs, three former prime ministers - KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ have repeatedly returned to power. In 17 years as a republic, Nepal has had 14 governments, and no leader has completed a full five-year term. With the March elections approaching, the contest is shaping up to be a clash between entrenched parties fighting to hold on to power and a new generation of leaders seeking to redefine Nepal’s political future.

Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and Minister of Energy Kulman Ghising may align with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in what could become a major challenge to Nepal’s traditional political forces.&nbsp;

Kathmandu’s rapper-turned mayor to join Rabi Lamichhane for March polls

Nepali police fired tear gas Sunday at thousands of protesters loyal to a former deputy premier once seen as a rising political star, as he appeared in court on charges his supporters say are politically motivated.

Nepali police fired tear gas Sunday at thousands of protesters loyal to a former deputy premier once seen as a rising political star, as he appeared in court on charges his supporters say are politically motivated. Rabi Lamichhane faces charges of fraud and organised crime related to the alleged embezzlement of funds from a financial cooperative before he entered politics, a case that has garnered national attention. Lamichhane rejects the charges, which his angry supporters say were trumped up. Lamichhane is well known for his career as a television host in the Himalayan Republic, making his name as an anti-corruption crusader through aggressive interviews with public officials. He shot to political power in November 2022 with his Rashtriya Swatantra Party tapping into widespread discontent at Nepal's elderly political leadership, becoming the deputy premier and interior minister. But he was sacked in January 2023, after Nepal's top court barred him from office for failing to regain citizenship after giving up his US passport. Also read: Delhi school blast: 'White powder' angle - Here's what investigators suspect He was arrested in the capital Kathmandu on Friday, and transferred to Pokhara, where he was remanded in custody for six days, "for further investigation," Kaski District Court information officer Suraj Adhikari said. Police said thousands of people took part in the protests Sunday, with baton-wielding officers blocking off areas around the district court and spraying crowds with water cannons and tear gas. Protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, claiming the charges against Lamichhane were politically motivated. The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported that a parliamentary committee had accused Lamichhane of embezzling millions of rupees from multiple cooperatives while running the Gorkha Media Network before he entered politics. "We have been supporting the investigation but this is a political vendetta to finish a new party that is working for the betterment of people," RSP party member Toshima Karki said. "They think they can finish our party by attacking an individual, this is wrong," she added. "We are doing a peaceful protest and we are committed to fight against this injustice." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Police fire tear gas as thousands protest ex-deputy PM’s 'political' fraud charges

Rabi Lamichhane, former deputy prime minister and home minister of Nepal, was arrested on Friday (Oct 18) by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on charges of organised crime and misappropriation of cooperative funds.

Rabi Lamichhane, former deputy prime minister and home minister of Nepal, was arrested on Friday (Oct 18) by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on charges of organised crime and misappropriation of cooperative funds. Lamichhane, the chairman of the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was taken into custody outside his party office in Kathmandu. Background of the case Cooperative fraud allegations The arrest stems from a cooperative fraud case being investigated by the Kaski District Court. The court issued an arrest warrant against Lamichhane, accusing him of embezzling funds from cooperatives that were injected into Gorkha Media, where he was a managing director. Substantial evidence According to the police, witness testimonies and other evidence gathered under Section 9(3) of the Civil Code of Criminal Procedure (2074) support the charges of embezzlement and organised crime. Lamichhane's defence Political conspiracy Addressing his supporters, Lamichhane claimed the charges were part of a political vendetta orchestrated by the coalition under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. He stated that the new alliance was plotting against him to stay in power. "If I had made compromises like them, we would not have faced this problem. I can understand the compelling situation of the party, I received the information about an agreement signed on the day when the coalition changed that, Rabi (Lamichhane) will be sent to jail very soon. I am not worried about anything, I have got enough as a person, the expectation and the trust which is being attacked, we will face it, I am ready to face all the legal consequences- would respect the legislative procedures but would call on everyone to fight against this political prejudice.” Social media criticism After his arrest, Lamichhane took to social media to express his frustration, accusing the government of hypocrisy. He alleged that corrupt leaders were being protected while he, an ordinary citizen, faced baseless accusations. "Your wristwatch is worth millions, while I wear handcuffs. You serve intermediaries and wear expensive glasses and shoes gifted by smugglers, while I carry the burden of accusations. The government has died, and we are in mourning. In your celebration of power, I commit to fully supporting the law and ensuring justice is served. Your actions will lead the country to ruin, but we will bring about change. The people will act, and soon, they will make their voices heard." सरकार मर्‍यो,हामीलाई जुठो पर्‍यो !! तपाईंको हातमा तस्करले दिएको करोड पर्ने घडी ,मेरो हातमा चाहि हतकडी ?? तपाई विचौलियाको सेवा गरे बापत लाखौंको चस्मा र जुत्ता लगाउने, मुद्दा मैले खेपि दिनुपर्ने? तपाई प्रमाणित भ्रष्टाचारी बाट करोडौंको जग्गा खुल्लम खुल्ला लिने,मैले ठगीको आरोप… — Rabi Lamichhane (@hamrorabi) October 18, 2024 × Details of the cooperative scam Parliamentary investigation A parliamentary special inquiry committee formed in May 2024 had earlier investigated Lamichhane's involvement in the cooperative scam. The committee's report, tabled in parliament, concluded that millions of rupees from cooperatives like Suryadarshan and Supreme were funnelled into Gorkha Media using forged documents. Embezzlement findings The report named Lamichhane, along with GB Rai, Kumar Ramtel, and Chhabi Lal Joshi, as key players in the misappropriation of cooperative funds. The investigation revealed that Lamichhane had operated joint accounts and issued checks worth millions, confirming his involvement. Cooperative origins Funds from various cooperatives—Suryadarshan (Pokhara), Supreme (Butwal), Swarnalaxmi (Kathmandu), Sahara Chitwan (Chitwan), and Sanopaila (Birgunj)—were invested in Gorkha Media, violating cooperative laws. The failure of Galaxy 4K Television, a subsidiary of Gorkha Media, to pay salaries to its staff led to its closure in 2023. Political history Rise to politics Lamichhane entered politics in 2022, founding the Rastriya Swatantra Party and winning a seat in parliament. Prior to his political career, he was the managing director of Gorkha Media. Past controversies In January 2023, the Supreme Court annulled Lamichhane's parliamentary membership, citing issues with his citizenship. This forced him to resign from his positions as Deputy prime minister and home minister. Ongoing legal process Wider implications Alongside Lamichhane, the Kaski District Court has issued arrest warrants for 13 other individuals involved in the cooperative scam. A parliamentary committee had earlier interrogated Lamichhane for over 10 hours, during which he denied knowledge of the fraudulent transfers made to Gorkha Media. Next steps Following the endorsement of the parliamentary report, House Speaker Devraj Ghimire directed the government to implement its recommendations. Legal action is expected against all individuals involved in the fraud. Lamichhane has pledged to cooperate with legal proceedings while rallying his supporters to challenge the government’s actions. His arrest has sparked political tensions, with accusations of power manipulation and growing dissatisfaction among his party's supporters. Opposition parties' reaction Janmat Party chair CK Raut has called the arrest of Lamichhane, an act of political vendetta. “I can only describe the current arrest of Rabi, the chairman of a new national party with 21 seats, as an act of political vendetta and repression. This action undermines a promising future and attempts to thwart the golden prospects of the next generation at its inception. This arrest is a frame-up by the state,” Raut said in a Facebook post.

Arrest of Nepal's former Deputy PM Rabi Lamichhane: A breakdown

Nepali Congress calls for investigation against Home minister, tensions go high between opposition and govt over Rabi Lamichhane. Watch to know more.

Nepali Congress calls for investigation against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane

Nepal's Supreme Court has dismissed the country's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane after he was found guilty in a citizenship and passport case. Rabi has also lost his post as a Member of Parliament.

Nepal's Deputy PM Rabi Lamichhane dismissed from office, found guilty in citizenship case

WION Dispatch: Nepal's SC dismisses deputy PM Rabi Lamichhane over passport and citizenship issue

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