NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his “heartfelt congratulations” to Mr. Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, following his swearing-in as the Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday, March 27, 2026.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated that Shah’s assumption of office reflects the deep trust the people of Nepal have placed in his leadership. He expressed strong confidence that under this new administration, the friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal would reach “new heights” for the mutual benefit of both nations.
A Historic Transition
At 35, Balendra Shah—a structural engineer and former rapper—becomes the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal’s recent history. His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), secured a landslide victory in the March 5 general elections, winning 182 out of 275 seats.
Key highlights of the transition include:
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Political Shift: Shah defeated four-time Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in his own stronghold of Jhapa-5.
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Cultural Milestone: He is the first person from the Madhes region to hold the country’s top executive post.
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End of Interim Rule: The appointment marks the end of a transition period led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, following the “Gen Z” protests that reshaped the nation’s political landscape last year.
The swearing-in ceremony at Sheetal Niwas featured a unique blend of Vedic and Buddhist rituals, signaling a new era for the Himalayan nation.
