India cautiously optimistic after Nepal verdict

New Delhi: India is cautiously optimistic after rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) swept the Nepal general election and is looking forward to working with the new government to advance economic and security partnership, said people familiar with the matter.Shah, 35, who is expected to become Nepal Prime Minister, has an Indian connection: he did his master's in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in Nepal.Nepal's traditional political parties, which were removed from power after the September 2025 street protests, which left 70 people dead, have been trounced in the polls as they were seen as corrupt and non-performing. The RSP was earlier part of the Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)-led government in 2022-23.Shah enjoys a massive following in the Himalayan Kingdom. As mayor of Kathmandu, he focused on improving the urban infrastructure, such as waste management. His moves on India will be closely watched, said the person cited earlier, adding that almost every Nepalese PM made India the first destination abroad after being sworn in.129228716 In its initial reaction, India's external affairs ministry said, "India has consistently supported peace, progress and stability in Nepal and in keeping with our commitment, provided logistical supplies as per request from Government of Nepal for these elections. We look forward to working with the new Government of Nepal to further build on the robust multifaceted ties between our two countries and peoples for mutual benefit."This is the first time since Nepal adopted the constitution in 2015 that a single party has won such a mandate. Jobs and economy were the key issues in this election, particularly for the youth. While the voting percentage was less than last time, urban voting was higher than rural voting, in a change from the past. India is Nepal's largest trading partner, accounting for $8.6 billion or 63 per cent of imports, followed by China (13 per cent), or $1.8 billion, according to World Bank figures. India and Nepal have firmed up a hydel power partnership in the past few years, aiming to replicate the India-Bhutan model in the future.

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/GmE8klc