Nepal-India relations in uncertain territory as new government charts assertive course
Summary
Nepal's new government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah is taking an assertive and nationalist posture towards India, marked by refusals to meet Indian officials, imposition of customs duties, and a diplomatic protest over a Himalayan border dispute, signaling a shift from previous diplomatic norms.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government has refused meetings with Indian diplomats and imposed customs duties disrupting Nepal-India border commerce.
- The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) rose rapidly, winning a majority in Nepal's parliament in March 2026.
- Diplomatic tensions escalated with a formal protest over a Himalayan pilgrimage route and postponement of an Indian foreign secretary's visit.
- Despite efforts at engagement, including Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's meeting with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, bilateral relations remain strained amidst customs enforcement and territorial disputes.
