India’s BJP hosts Nepal’s ruling party to stabilize strained Himalayan relations

On Monday, June 1, a high-level delegation from Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) arrived in New Delhi for a strategic five-day visit.

Led by party chairman Rabi Lamichhane, the group was invited by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to reset political ties following recent diplomatic friction. India is doubling down on its "Neighborhood First" policy to counter growing Chinese influence in the landlocked Himalayan nation. The meetings focus on party-to-party engagement, infrastructure, and resolving territorial disputes that have stoked nationalist sentiment on both sides.

This diplomatic outreach is expected to set the stage for a formal state visit by the Nepalese Prime Minister later this year.