India’s Confidence in Nepal’s New RSP Government Wanes Amid Protocol Snubs and Border-Economy Frictions
The source indicates India’s early optimism about Nepal’s new Balendra Shah-led government has cooled due to unconventional diplomatic protocol, postponed high-level engagement, and new measures affecting cross-border commerce. Rising mistrust, the Lipulekh Pass dispute, and Nepal’s domestic political volatility may increase incentives for Kathmandu to signal closer ties with China, elevating regional risk.