NEW DELHI: Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has called for Nepal-India relations to be reoriented towards development, investment and trade, arguing that bilateral ties should move beyond traditional political engagement.
Writing in the Indian daily Hindustan Times on Tuesday during his five-day visit to India, Lamichhane outlined his vision for Nepal’s foreign policy and future relations with India.
He stressed that Nepal-India relations should be guided by “development diplomacy,” focusing on practical cooperation and shared economic interests.
Highlighting Nepal’s hydropower potential, Lamichhane said the country could become a major source of clean energy for India’s growing energy demand. He also emphasized the need to develop an integrated regional energy market to strengthen economic cooperation.
The RSP leader further proposed expanding cross-border trade and creating a joint tourism circuit linking major destinations such as Janakpur, Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and the Himalayan region to attract more international visitors.
Lamichhane also underscored the importance of cooperation in sports, agriculture, healthcare, cybersecurity and disaster management as areas with significant potential for bilateral collaboration.
On longstanding disputes between the two neighbours, he argued that sensitive issues should be addressed through evidence-based dialogue and mutual understanding rather than through rhetoric or extreme nationalism.
His remarks come amid heightened debate in Nepal over Nepal-India relations and border issues, as political parties continue to discuss the future direction of the country’s engagement with its southern neighbour.
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