PM Modi Sends Congratulations to Nepal's New Prime Minister Balendra Shah
Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Balendra Shah on his recent inauguration as Nepal's Prime Minister, emphasizing collaboration to strengthen India-Nepal relations for mutual benefit.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi congratulated Balendra Shah on his inauguration.
Shah is the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal's history.
The RSP secured a significant electoral victory.
Shah's engineering background informs his governance style.
The appointment reflects a generational shift in Nepalese politics.
Kathmandu, March 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Balendra Shah following his recent inauguration as the Prime Minister of Nepal. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Shah in enhancing the ties between India and Nepal for the prosperity of their respective citizens.
The congratulatory statement from PM Modi was delivered shortly after Balendra Shah, the leader of the parliamentary party from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), took the oath of office.
“Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on your ascension to the role of Prime Minister of Nepal. Your leadership has garnered the trust of the Nepalese people. I am keen to work closely with you to elevate the India-Nepal partnership and cooperation for the mutual benefit of our nations,” PM Modi shared on X.
On the same day, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel officially appointed the former Mayor of Kathmandu, Shah—widely known as Balen—to this position, acting in accordance with Article 76(1) of the Constitution, as stated by the President’s Office.
Earlier, the RSP, which achieved a remarkable victory in the recent parliamentary elections with nearly a two-thirds majority, appointed Shah as its parliamentary party leader, paving the way for him to become Nepal's 47th Prime Minister.
At just 35 years old, Shah ranks among the youngest prime ministers in Nepal's history. A significant number of lawmakers elected in the latest elections belong to younger demographics, signaling a generational shift in the political landscape of Nepal.
Shah, a charismatic figure among the youth, first stepped into national politics on December 28 of last year, which is believed to have significantly influenced the RSP's voting success. The party capitalized on Shah's candidacy as its prime ministerial choice during its campaign, resulting in a resounding victory in the March 5 parliamentary elections with 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives.
In a notable electoral contest, Shah triumphed over former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli by a staggering margin of 49,614 votes, receiving 68,348 votes compared to Oli's 18,734 in Jhapa-5 in eastern Nepal. This achievement marks the highest vote count for any candidate in Nepal's parliamentary elections since 1991.
Shah began his political journey in 2022 when he was elected as the mayor of Kathmandu as an independent.
Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu to a Madhesi family that prioritized education and culture, Shah obtained his bachelor's degree in Kathmandu before pursuing a master's degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.
His engineering education has provided him with valuable insights into infrastructure, urban development, and public works, which informed his governance style while serving as the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Balendra Shah's ascension to the premiership of Nepal. His youth and the recent electoral success of his party indicate a shift in Nepalese politics that could lead to new opportunities for collaboration with India. This development warrants close attention from both governments.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Balendra Shah?
Balendra Shah is the newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal, previously serving as the Mayor of Kathmandu and leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
What did PM Modi say in his congratulatory message?
PM Modi expressed his eagerness to work closely with Balendra Shah to enhance India-Nepal relations for the benefit of both nations.
What is significant about Shah's appointment?
At 35, Shah is one of the youngest prime ministers in Nepal's history, symbolizing a generational shift in the country's politics.
What electoral victory did the RSP achieve?
The Rastriya Swatantra Party won a near two-thirds majority in the recent parliamentary elections, securing 182 out of 275 seats.
What is Shah's educational background?
Shah holds a bachelor's degree from Kathmandu and a master's degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.
