New Delhi, March 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended congratulations to Balendra Shah on assuming office as Nepal’s Prime Minister, highlighting India’s intent to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
In a message posted on X, Modi emphasized confidence in Shah’s leadership and expressed readiness to work closely to elevate India-Nepal ties for mutual economic and developmental benefit.
Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was sworn in following his party’s decisive mandate in the recent parliamentary elections. His appointment was formalized by Ram Chandra Paudel under constitutional provisions.
The RSP’s near two-thirds majority—securing 182 out of 275 seats—marks a significant political shift, reflecting growing voter preference for younger leadership and governance reform. At 35, Shah becomes one of Nepal’s youngest prime ministers, underscoring a broader generational transition in the country’s political landscape.
A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah gained prominence for his administrative approach and urban development focus. His political rise, including a decisive electoral victory over former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, signals strong public backing and evolving political dynamics.
With an academic background in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Shah is expected to prioritize infrastructure and development-driven governance—areas that could open new avenues for India-Nepal collaboration.
