Nepal and India Have a Reset Moment—But History Cannot Be Wishful Thinking

Nepal’s Ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane is currently in India as part of his five-day official visit to the southern neighbour. Lamichhane, the top leader of one of Nepal’s emerging political forces following the recent parliamentary election, held a series of political meetings including with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. The visit is widely being read both in Nepal and India as a signal of RSP Chief Lamichhane trying to convey that Nepal’s new political voice, following the Gen Z movement in September last year, prioritises development through trade, infrastructure, technology, and investment over historical grievances and emotional narratives. He also points to an effort to build on successes like UPI-style digital payments by expanding cooperation into fintech, digital payments, and startup ecosystems. Improving cross-border connectivity—including better links between cities like Pokhara and major Indian hubs—is also part of this emerging outlook.