Nepal’s Balen Shah Thanks PM Modi, Congratulates India on T20 Win

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, set to become Nepal’s next Prime Minister, has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message following the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) landslide victory in Nepal’s general elections. The 35-year-old leader also extended warm greetings to India for its triumph in the men’s T20 World Cup.

Shah Pledges Stronger Nepal-India Ties

Responding to PM Modi’s post, Shah expressed his commitment to bilateral relations, stating his confidence that both nations would “further strengthen, deepen, and make more outcome-oriented” the historic ties between Nepal and India. PM Modi had earlier reached out to both RSP leaders — Shah and party chief Rabi Lamichhane — expressing hope that joint efforts would “scale new heights in the years ahead.”

Heartfelt Congratulations on World Cup Glory

Shah also took the moment to celebrate India’s cricketing achievement, offering congratulations to the Indian government and its people for clinching the T20 World Cup title for two consecutive years. India secured the championship on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final played in Ahmedabad.

Shah’s electoral victory marks a significant turning point in Nepali politics, signalling a departure from established traditional parties. His rise reflects widespread public frustration over political instability, corruption, and rising youth unemployment. RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane echoed similar sentiments, expressing eagerness to advance Nepal-India ties through what he described as “development diplomacy.”