AFP, New Delhi

Nepal’s ruling party chief called for closer economic and strategic cooperation with India yesterday, on the first high-level visit since deadly 2025 anti-corruption youth protests toppled the previous government.

But this trip to a key ally was not by Nepal’s new prime minister -- 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah.

Shah has shunned meetings with several foreign envoys to Nepal and, according to his aides, has said he will not travel abroad for his first year in power to focus on the many domestic challenges, not least the ailing economy.

The first visit to key ally India instead was made by Rabi Lamichhane, a former deputy prime minister and interior minister, who is president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

It won a landslide victory in March parliamentary elections, led by Shah. Former television host Lamichhane retains a pivotal role in power, and the lawmaker is expected to meet Indian PM Narendra Modi, RSP spokesman Manish Jha told AFP.

Nepal must ensure a delicate diplomatic balance between its two neighbours, India and China.