Historically, India and Nepal share deep-rooted cultural, economic, and social ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated K P Sharma Oli on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Prime Minister Modi expressed optimism about working closely with Oli to further solidify the deep bonds of friendship and enhance the mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X on Monday (July 15, 2024) to convey his congratulations. He wrote, “Congratulations @kpsharmaoli on your appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Look forward to working closely to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between our two countries and to further expand our mutually beneficial cooperation for the progress and prosperity of our peoples. @PM_nepal_”.

This development comes at a crucial time for both countries as they navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of South Asia. Oli, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML), has formed a new coalition government in partnership with Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Nepali Congress. This coalition emerged after the former prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, failed to secure a trust vote in Parliament last week. This will mark Oli’s fourth tenure as the Prime Minister of Nepal.

The Indian government will be paying close attention to the foreign policy direction of the new coalition government in Kathmandu. During Oli’s previous terms, he sought to strengthen Nepal’s ties with China, a move that had significant implications for Indo-Nepal relations. Prime Minister Modi’s message of cooperation and friendship underscores India’s intent to maintain and potentially strengthen its relationship with Nepal despite past tensions.

Historically, India and Nepal share deep-rooted cultural, economic, and social ties. The relationship between the two nations has seen its share of challenges, particularly during Oli’s last tenure when his government issued a controversial map that included Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh, territories that India considers its own, within Nepal’s boundaries. This action had sparked a diplomatic row, straining the relations between the two countries.

However, the Indian government will remain hopeful that the new coalition government adopts a balanced foreign policy that fosters regional stability and mutual growth. Prime Minister Modi’s message of cooperation sets the stage for potentially rejuvenated bilateral engagements.

Nepal is also expected to appoint a new envoy to India. Nepal's current ambassador Shankar Sharma was one of the 11 ambassadors recalled by the previous government in June. The new envoy’s appointment will be critical in shaping the future trajectory of Indo-Nepal relations.

India-Nepal cooperation spans various sectors including trade, energy, water resources, and cultural exchanges. The shared history and geography of India and Nepal offer a unique opportunity for both countries to collaborate for mutual benefit.

Prime Minister Modi’s congratulatory message has been well-received in diplomatic circles as a gesture of goodwill and a positive step towards strengthening bilateral ties. The emphasis on cooperation and friendship highlights the potential for collaborative efforts to address common challenges and harness shared opportunities.

As Nepal embarks on a new political chapter under Oli’s leadership, the Indian government remains committed to supporting its neighbor in achieving stability, development, and prosperity. The relationship between India and Nepal, characterized by cultural affinity and historical ties, holds immen