PM Balen’s bargain: What Nepal wants from India

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PM Balen’s bargain: What Nepal wants from India

By LB Thapa

According to media reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Nepali Prime Minister Balen Shah. However, it is understood that PM Balen Shah has made it clear that he does not wish to visit India merely as a formality. He wants his visit to be both meaningful and fruitful. Many political experts believe that PM Balen Shah’s trip to India could prove crucial for both nations. 

Soon after taking the oath as the 43rd Prime Minister of Nepal, he set out to transform the country. He has cracked down on corruption, jailed corrupt officials, and even put powerful leaders like KP Oli and Ramesh Lekhak behind bars. The anti-corruption campaign continues, with many more dishonest leaders facing imprisonment. 

Balen Shah’s firm stance against corruption has earned him admiration, even from former opponents. Since he became Prime Minister, Nepalis living abroad have begun to feel hopeful that things will finally improve. In this context, many people in both Nepal and India are optimistic that bilateral relations will reach new heights. 

Recently, PM Balen Shah made a striking comment: “I will not come to India just to get my photo taken.” Political analysts are now busy interpreting the meaning behind this statement. So, what exactly does PM Balen Shah want from India? And what is India prepared to offer? 

Traditionally, every new Prime Minister of Nepal has visited India first. This is seen as a signal of a fresh start in bilateral ties. However, Balen Shah wants to use this tradition not as a mere formality, but as a strategic opportunity for his country. He seeks tangible outcomes from the visit that directly benefit the Nepali people. And this is where the real story begins. 

What does Balen Shah want from India? 

The biggest issue is aviation. Nepal has long been demanding a western air entry point from India. International airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara are ready, but without proper air routes, they remain underutilized. This time, Balen Shah wants more than promises—he wants written assurances, visible progress, and ground-level implementation. He wants Nepal’s international connectivity to strengthen as part of its development. This demand could become the biggest test for India. 

On the other hand, India is also stepping up. It has accelerated plans to strengthen its infrastructure up to the Nepal border. The upcoming four-lane highway from Bara Banki to Behrahi is not just a road—it is a project to accelerate India-Nepal relations and make trade with Nepal easier. Most importantly, connectivity between the two countries will become far stronger than before. 

So, while PM Balen Shah is setting his terms, India is also strengthening ties in its own way, and Nepal stands to benefit from these stronger relationships. 

The real twist: Nepal’s foreign policy 

Until now, Nepali politics has followed a pattern—tilting sometimes toward India, sometimes balancing with China. But PM Balen Shah appears to be rising above this old game. He has already met with ambassadors from 17 countries simultaneously, sending a clear signal that Nepal no longer wants to be boxed into a camp to its own detriment. He is neither fully with India nor fully with China. Instead, he wants a balanced, neutral approach—improving relations with all and gaining benefits from everyone. 

Interestingly, both India and China want Nepal on their side. For India, Nepal is not just a neighbor but a key part of security, trade, and cultural ties. For China, Nepal is a major project linked to the security of Tibet and its own borders. In this context, PM Balen Shah’s neutral stance could pose a challenge to both—and an opportunity for Nepal. 

Beyond India and China 

PM Balen Shah does not want to limit Nepal’s foreign policy to just India and China. He has already made plans to give equal importance to Gulf countries, Japan, and the United States. The reason is clear: a large population of Nepalis work in these nations, and their contributions to the economy help strengthen Nepal. Thus, Balen’s focus is not just diplomacy but also economic growth and diaspora connections. 

What will be Balen’s first major foreign visit? 

The biggest question now is: will India be his first stop? Or will he turn to another country, making his priorities clear? This decision will not be just a visit—it will set the agenda for Balen Shah’s new Nepal and define his foreign policy. 

India is watching closely. If PM Balen returns with strong agreements, it will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also fill them with new energy. If talks do not go as hoped, countries like China will not hesitate to seize the opportunity. That is where the situation becomes even more complicated. Because this is not merely a trip—it is a strategic move on a global level, where every step must be carefully considered. Behind every statement is a larger message, and every decision will have an impact in the days to come. 

Now, all eyes are on whether PM Balen Shah, with his tough stance, will succeed in achieving what he wants from India and what new message of diplomacy he will give to his new Nepal. For now, one thing is certain: a new chapter is about to be added to Nepal-India relations. And the one writing this chapter is Balen Shah—whose every move the world is watching carefully. 

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