Photo Credit, @vijai63
Ravi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), did not respond to questions from journalists at Tribhuvan International Airport before embarking on a five-day visit to India. He traveled to Delhi at the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), assuring that he would speak upon his return.
Reports indicate that Lamichhane is scheduled to meet BJP President Nitin Naveen and senior government officials during his trip.
Indian media sources have cited that a meeting between Lamichhane and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to take place at the BJP office.
Although a meeting between Lamichhane and the Indian Prime Minister is confirmed for Wednesday, the exact timing has yet to be finalized.
According to the Indian news outlet Aaj Tak, the timing of the meeting is being arranged to suit Modi’s schedule, which means there is no fixed itinerary for the Nepali delegation at this point.
Sign Seen at the Airport
Photo Credit, @vijai63
Three years ago, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, then chairman of the CPN Maoist Centre, had traveled to Delhi at the invitation of the BJP.
As the leader of a ruling coalition party and former prime minister, Prachanda was welcomed by Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of the BJP Foreign Department.
Lamichhane’s RSP holds a position close to a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives.
Senior BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh and Vijay Chauthaiwale were present at the airport to welcome the delegation led by Lamichhane.
According to former Indian Ambassador Shankar Sharma, the strong position of Lamichhane’s party alongside its near two-thirds majority government formation, and this being the first interactive engagement of this kind, signify that this visit carries different signals compared to previous trips.
“Similarly, the newly appointed BJP president Nitin Naveen may have introduced new policies,” Sharma added.
Greater Importance Compared to Previous Visits
Photo Credit, @DrSJaishankar
After the general elections, when RSP emerged as the largest party, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated Chairman Lamichhane and senior leader Walendra Shah (Balen) over the phone.
Upon his appointment as prime minister, Balen planned not to travel internationally for one year.
It is reported that the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal was postponed to prepare for Lamichhane’s trip.
Photo Credit, @JPNadda
It is believed the visit was postponed because Prime Minister Balen refused to meet with Misri. Former Nepalese Ambassador to India Nilambar Acharya regards Lamichhane’s trip as carrying greater significance than previous visits in this context.
“Without successful visit efforts and high-level talks, bilateral relations cannot progress,” Acharya said, expressing confidence that warmth between the two countries would grow, adding, “This visit has political significance and could contribute to Nepal-India friendship and cooperation.”
There is discussion that the BJP is seeking to develop ties with the RSP as traditional parties weaken.
“Political relations should be maintained with other parties too, but democratically, the first ties should be with the party trusted by the people,” Acharya stated. “Previously Congress, CPN, and Maoists were the leading parties; now that RSP has emerged, it is natural for the neighboring country to accept this.”
Attempts to Gauge the Pulse and Potential Risks
Photo Credit, PMO Nepal
With dissatisfaction surfacing within the ruling party due to Prime Minister Balen’s behavior, style, and presentation, Lamichhane’s visit is predicted to add a different dimension.
Chairman Lamichhane has stated the current government will complete its full five-year term; however, increasing distrust, suspicion, and uncertainty leave room for doubts about its longevity.
Sources say Balen’s approach diverges from the traditional political norms of the last decade.
Therefore, India’s engagement through Lamichhane’s visit may represent an attempt to assess the relationship with both Prime Minister Balen, who reportedly declined a direct visit earlier, and Lamichhane.
According to former Ambassador Shankar Sharma, meetings involving Prime Minister Modi or External Affairs Minister Jaishankar always include other officials, and are formal in nature without detailed discussions.
“Some private talks may involve more topics,” he said. “For example, reports of meetings held by BJP General Secretary must be submitted to the government.”
There is a traditional belief that when neighbors, especially India, show coolness in relations, it poses difficulties for the government. Some even suspect efforts to weaken a strong government.
Former Ambassador Acharya does not speculate that Lamichhane’s India visit will mark the beginning of such a phase.
“A visit is not essential for conspiracy; conspiracies can occur without visible signs,” he said, “Moreover, the visit has been diplomatically respectful, coordinated by the Nepalese government.”
According to some analysts, although there may be some doubt about Prime Minister Balen in India, if Lamichhane can address those concerns, a more trusting environment could develop.
We also publish content on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our radio program airs Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.
