KATHMANDU: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Balendra Shah (Balen) on his appointment as Nepal’s prime minister, expressing optimism about advancing bilateral ties. In a message posted on Twitter (X), Modi wrote, “Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal.”

He added that he looks forward to working closely “to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”

The message underscores continued engagement between Nepal and India, which share longstanding cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties.

Shah’s rise comes amid growing public demand for alternative leadership and improved governance.

His tenure as mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, marked by a focus on transparency and delivery, helped elevate his national standing and contributed to his political breakthrough.