South Asian leaders congratulate Nepal on successful elections

KATHMANDU: Leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan have congratulated Nepal for successfully holding parliamentary elections.

In separate social media posts, the South Asian leaders commended the peaceful conduct of the March 5 polls and extended their best wishes to Nepal’s new leadership.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated the government and people of Nepal on the successful elections. “Congratulations to the government and the people of Nepal on the successful and peaceful parliamentary elections held on March 5. This important democratic exercise reflects the aspirations and resilience of the Nepali people and the strength of their democratic institutions,” Rahman wrote in a post on the social media platform X.

He added that Bangladesh looks forward to working closely with the new government and people of Nepal to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation.

Similarly, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay congratulated Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and the party’s prime ministerial candidate Balendra Shah on their landslide victory in the elections. “I also congratulate the people of Nepal on the successful elections. I look forward to deepening the warm friendship between our two countries,” Tobgay wrote.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar extended his heartiest congratulations to the people and leadership of Nepal on the successful conclusion of the general elections. “Pakistan deeply values its fraternal relations with Nepal,” he wrote. “I look forward to working closely with my counterpart and the new government to further strengthen our enduring friendship and explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation, as well as promoting regional peace and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening held a telephone conversation with Lamichhane and Shah. During the calls, Modi congratulated both leaders on their victory and on the RSP’s success in the recent elections.