Nepal PM Balendra Shah Thanks PM Modi, Signals Strong Push for Bilateral Ties

Kathmandu, March 2026 : Newly sworn-in Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message and conveyed his eagerness to further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shah thanked Modi for his warm wishes and emphasised his commitment to deepening cooperation. “Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your kind words and warm wishes. I am eager to work closely with you to advance the multifaceted relations between our two countries for the common prosperity of our people,” the statement read.

Prime Minister Modi had extended his congratulations a day earlier, expressing readiness to collaborate with Shah to elevate India-Nepal ties to new heights, with a focus on mutual benefit and regional stability.

Shah, the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was sworn in as Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister after being appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel under Article 76(1) of the Constitution. His appointment follows a decisive electoral mandate that has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a commanding victory in the recent parliamentary elections, winning 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives—close to a two-thirds majority. This landslide win paved the way for Shah’s elevation to the country’s top executive position.

At just 35 years of age, Shah is among the youngest prime ministers in Nepal’s history, symbolising a significant generational shift in the nation’s politics. The recent elections saw a large number of younger candidates entering Parliament, reflecting changing public aspirations and a growing demand for fresh leadership.

Popularly known as “Balen,” Shah enjoys strong support among the youth, a factor widely credited for boosting his party’s performance. His entry into national politics in late 2025 marked a turning point, with his image as a reform-oriented leader resonating strongly with voters.

In a notable electoral contest, Shah defeated former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli by a substantial margin in Jhapa-5 constituency. He secured 68,348 votes compared to Oli’s 18,734, marking one of the most decisive victories in Nepal’s parliamentary history since 1991.

Before ascending to national leadership, Shah made his mark as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, winning the 2022 mayoral election as an independent candidate. His tenure was characterised by a focus on urban governance, infrastructure development, and administrative reforms.

Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu, Shah comes from a Madhesi family with a strong emphasis on education and cultural values. He completed his higher education in engineering, earning a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University. His technical background has played a key role in shaping his practical and development-oriented governance approach.

As he begins his tenure, Shah’s leadership is expected to prioritise economic growth, governance reforms, and stronger regional partnerships. His early outreach to India signals continuity and intent to build on the historically close ties between the two nations while steering Nepal into a new era of youthful and dynamic leadership.