The Hindu Editorial • March 30, 2026 • Read Original

Neighbours first: On India-Nepal ties

India must invite the new Prime Minister of Nepal, Balen Shah, to revive ties

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The Hindu Read Original

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on March 30, 2026

Neighbours first: On India-Nepal ties

India must invite the new Prime Minister of Nepal, Balen Shah, to revive ties

India-Nepal RelationsBalen ShahBilateral TiesForeign PolicySouth Asia

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 13

English Original

In an exchange of early messages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s newly- sworn-in Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah said they look forward to “working closely” to take forward bilateral ties.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In an exchange of early messages

During the initial communication between the two leaders

Part 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s newly- sworn-in Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah

The top leaders of India and Nepal who recently came to power

Part 3

said

Stated or communicated their thoughts

Part 4

they “working closely” to take forward

They hope to cooperate and improve the relationship between the two nations

Context and Background

Balen Shah Asset in Nepal Politics

Balen Shah, a structural engineer and rapper, became the Mayor of Kathmandu in 2022 as an independent. By 2026, he has transitioned to national politics, representing a new wave of youth leadership in Nepal that challenges traditional political parties.

Sentence 2 of 13

English Original

Delhi and Kathmandu are prepared to begin a new chapter in relations, united by familial bonds, a shared culture, open borders, and intertwined politics.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Delhi and Kathmandu

The governments of India and Nepal (using the names of their capital cities)

Part 2

are prepared

Are ready or sets for an action

Part 3

to begin a new chapter in relations

To start a fresh and positive phase in their diplomatic relationship

Part 4

united by , a shared culture, open borders, and politics

Linked by family ties, common traditions, easy cross-border travel, and closely linked political situations

Sentence 3 of 13

English Original

Land-locked Nepal has depended on trade and transit through India, with India’s plans for an energy grid in the region an important channel for Nepal’s hydropower exports and revenues.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Nepal

Nepal, a country that has no sea coast and is surrounded by land

Part 2

has depended

Has relied on someone or something for help or support for a long time

Part 3

on trade and through India

For buying, selling, and moving goods across Indian territory

Part 4

with India’s plans for an in the region an important channel for Nepal’s exports and

As India’s power network project will help Nepal sell its electricity and earn money

Context and Background

India-Nepal Hydropower Cooperation

Nepal has immense hydropower potential (approx. 42,000 MW). India is a major investor and an essential buyer of this power, with the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) initiative aiming to integrate the regional power grid.

Sentence 4 of 13

English Original

Like many former leaders of Nepal, Mr. Shah studied in India.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Like many former leaders of Nepal

In the same way as many people who ruled Nepal in the past

Part 2

Mr. Shah

The Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

studied

Got his education

Part 4

in India

Within the territory of India

Sentence 5 of 13

English Original

Familiarity aside, it would be a mistake to assume that his ascension will chart a well-worn and predictable course between the two countries.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Familiarity aside

Moving past the fact that we know him well

Part 2

The situation or the idea mentioned in the sentence

Part 3

would be

Could possibly be

Part 4

a mistake to assume that his will chart a and course between the two countries

An error to think that his coming to power will follow the old and expected style of relationship

Sentence 6 of 13

English Original

At 35, he is Nepal’s first Madhesi leader, and upturns the old dominance of the Brahmin-Chettri Pahadi elite.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

At 35

Being 35 years old

Part 2

The Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

Occupies the state of being

Part 4

Nepal’s first leader

The first person from the Madhesi ethnic group to lead the country

Part 5

and

In addition to that

Part 6

upturns

Changes or disrupts something completely

Part 7

the old of the Brahmin-Chettri Pahadi

The long-standing control held by the high-caste groups from the hill regions

Context and Background

Political Power Shift in Nepal

Traditionally, Nepali politics has been dominated by ‘Pahadi’ (hill) groups like Brahmins and Chettris. Madhesis, despite having a large population, have long fought for equal representation and rights, making Balen Shah’s rise historically significant.

Sentence 7 of 13

English Original

New Delhi must have a greater understanding of the priorities of this new Gen-Z movement that brought down the K.P. Sharma Oli government in 2025.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

New Delhi

The Indian government

Part 2

must have

Needs to have or possess

Part 3

a greater understanding of the of this new movement that the K.P. Sharma Oli government in 2025

A better knowledge of what the young people who removed the previous government want for their country

Context and Background

The Rise of Gen-Z in Nepali Politics

The 2025 political shift in Nepal was characterized by massive youth-led protests against traditional corruption and for social justice, led by figures like Balen Shah who utilized digital platforms effectively.

Sentence 8 of 13

English Original

This is a new leadership that has not inherited the old foreign policy understandings of the past generations of leaders that came through the panchayati movement, Congress and Communist parties, or the Maoist movement that overthrew the monarchy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The current political situation/leadership in Nepal

Part 2

Exists as

Part 3

a new leadership that has not the old understandings of the past generations of leaders that came through the , Congress and Communist parties, or the Maoist movement that overthrew the

The new group of leaders who do not follow the same rules of dealing with other countries as the old leaders from various historical political groups did

Sentence 9 of 13

English Original

In that sense, the Shah government’s foreign policy, including its ties with China and the U.S., as well as the overarching relationship with India, is yet to be formalised.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In that sense

From that perspective or way of looking at it

Part 2

the Shah government’s foreign policy, including its ties with China and the U.S., as well as the relationship with India

The new government’s plan for international relations, covering China, the U.S., and India

Part 3

Exits in a state

Part 4

yet to be

Not yet officially decided or made final

Sentence 10 of 13

English Original

In the past decade, India has increased its development assistance to Nepal, but it also strained its ties over the constitution, the long blockade on border trade, and territorial issues.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the past decade

During the last ten years

Part 2

India

The nation of India

Part 3

has increased

Has made something larger in amount

Part 4

its development to Nepal

The financial and technical help given to Nepal for its growth

Part 5

but it also

However, at the same time

Part 6

Made a relationship difficult or less friendly

Part 7

its ties

Its relationship with Nepal

Part 8

over the constitution, the long on border trade, and issues

Because of disagreements about Nepal’s laws, stopped trade at the border, and land disputes

Context and Background

Historical Tensions in India-Nepal Relations

The 2015 ‘blockade’ following Nepal’s new constitution and the 2020 map dispute over Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura are key events that caused significant diplomatic friction between the two neighbors.

Sentence 11 of 13

English Original

As Mayor of Kathmandu, Mr. Shah was known for his overt nationalism, and rejection of the “hegemony” of India and other powers, while his use of a map of “Greater Nepal” had been read with some concern in New Delhi.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As Mayor of Kathmandu

During the time he was the head of Nepal’s capital city

Part 2

Mr. Shah

The current Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

was known

Was famous or recognized for something

Part 4

for his , and rejection of the “” of India and other powers

For his strong love for his country and his refusal to accept the dominance of big countries like India

Part 5

while his use of a map of “” had been read with some concern in New Delhi

Even though India was worried about him using a map that showed a much larger Nepal (including some Indian lands)

Sentence 12 of 13

English Original

Yet, there is a distinct possibility that given the challenges Nepal now faces, and its proximity to India, he will choose pragmatism over ideology.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Yet

However; in spite of that

Part 2

there

A word used to start the sentence about a situation

Part 3

Exists

Part 4

a that given the challenges Nepal now faces, and its to India, he will choose over

A clear chance that he will do what is practical instead of just following his strong beliefs, because of Nepal’s problems and being close to India

Sentence 13 of 13

English Original

A crucial requirement for the land-locked country remains fuel and fertilizer imports from India, and an early visit to New Delhi would offer both sides an opportunity to restart conversations where they were set aside during the map dispute.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A requirement for the land-locked country

Something very important that Nepal needs as it is surrounded by land

Part 2

fuel and imports from India

Buying petrol, diesel, and farming chemicals from India

Part 3

an early visit to New Delhi

A trip to India’s capital by the Nepal PM soon

Part 4

both sides

Both India and Nepal

Part 5

an to restart conversations where they were during the map dispute

A chance to talk again about things they stopped discussing because of the disagreement about borders

Sentence 1 of 13

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 India and Nepal are looking to start a new chapter in their relationship with the election of Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Balen Shah.
2 The editorial highlights that Balen Shah, a Madhesi leader and Gen-Z figure, represents a shift from Nepal’s traditional Pahadi elite dominance.
3 Economic cooperation, particularly in hydropower and the regional energy grid, remains a crucial pillar for land-locked Nepal’s revenue.
4 New Delhi needs to understand the new leadership’s nationalist priorities and non-traditional foreign policy approach, which differs from previous generations.
5 The editorial concludes that India should proactively invite Mr. Shah to Delhi to strengthen ties and address shared challenges like fuel and fertilizer imports.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial provides a balanced examination of India-Nepal ties, weighing historical bonds against recent tensions and the unpredictable nature of the new leadership. It objectively analyzes the shift in Nepal’s internal politics (the rise of a Madhesi leader) and its implications for foreign policy, while offering constructive suggestions for diplomacy.

Sentence 1 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In an exchange of early messages

During the initial communication between the two leaders

Part 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s newly- sworn-in Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah

The top leaders of India and Nepal who recently came to power

Part 3

said

Stated or communicated their thoughts

Part 4

they look forward to “working closely” to take forward bilateral ties

They hope to cooperate and improve the relationship between the two nations

Sentence 2 of 13

Delhi and Kathmandu are prepared to begin a new chapter in relations, united by familial bonds, a shared culture, open borders, and intertwined politics.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Delhi and Kathmandu

The governments of India and Nepal (using the names of their capital cities)

Part 2

are prepared

Are ready or sets for an action

Part 3

to begin a new chapter in relations

To start a fresh and positive phase in their diplomatic relationship

Part 4

united by familial bonds, a shared culture, open borders, and intertwined politics

Linked by family ties, common traditions, easy cross-border travel, and closely linked political situations

Sentence 3 of 13

Land-locked Nepal has depended on trade and transit through India, with India’s plans for an energy grid in the region an important channel for Nepal’s hydropower exports and revenues.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Land-locked Nepal

Nepal, a country that has no sea coast and is surrounded by land

Part 2

has depended

Has relied on someone or something for help or support for a long time

Part 3

on trade and transit through India

For buying, selling, and moving goods across Indian territory

Part 4

with India’s plans for an energy grid in the region an important channel for Nepal’s hydropower exports and revenues

As India’s power network project will help Nepal sell its electricity and earn money

Sentence 4 of 13

Like many former leaders of Nepal, Mr. Shah studied in India.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Like many former leaders of Nepal

In the same way as many people who ruled Nepal in the past

Part 2

Mr. Shah

The Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

studied

Got his education

Part 4

in India

Within the territory of India

Sentence 5 of 13

Familiarity aside, it would be a mistake to assume that his ascension will chart a well-worn and predictable course between the two countries.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Familiarity aside

Moving past the fact that we know him well

Part 2

The situation or the idea mentioned in the sentence

Part 3

would be

Could possibly be

Part 4

a mistake to assume that his ascension will chart a well-worn and predictable course between the two countries

An error to think that his coming to power will follow the old and expected style of relationship

Sentence 6 of 13

At 35, he is Nepal’s first Madhesi leader, and upturns the old dominance of the Brahmin-Chettri Pahadi elite.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

At 35

Being 35 years old

Part 2

The Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

Occupies the state of being

Part 4

Nepal’s first Madhesi leader

The first person from the Madhesi ethnic group to lead the country

Part 5

and

In addition to that

Part 6

upturns

Changes or disrupts something completely

Part 7

the old dominance of the Brahmin-Chettri Pahadi elite

The long-standing control held by the high-caste groups from the hill regions

Sentence 7 of 13

New Delhi must have a greater understanding of the priorities of this new Gen-Z movement that brought down the K.P. Sharma Oli government in 2025.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

New Delhi

The Indian government

Part 2

must have

Needs to have or possess

Part 3

a greater understanding of the priorities of this new Gen-Z movement that brought down the K.P. Sharma Oli government in 2025

A better knowledge of what the young people who removed the previous government want for their country

Sentence 8 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

This

The current political situation/leadership in Nepal

Part 2

Exists as

Part 3

a new leadership that has not inherited the old foreign policy understandings of the past generations of leaders that came through the panchayati movement, Congress and Communist parties, or the Maoist movement that overthrew the monarchy

The new group of leaders who do not follow the same rules of dealing with other countries as the old leaders from various historical political groups did

Sentence 9 of 13

In that sense, the Shah government’s foreign policy, including its ties with China and the U.S., as well as the overarching relationship with India, is yet to be formalised.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In that sense

From that perspective or way of looking at it

Part 2

the Shah government’s foreign policy, including its ties with China and the U.S., as well as the overarching relationship with India

The new government’s plan for international relations, covering China, the U.S., and India

Part 3

Exits in a state

Part 4

yet to be formalised

Not yet officially decided or made final

Sentence 10 of 13

In the past decade, India has increased its development assistance to Nepal, but it also strained its ties over the constitution, the long blockade on border trade, and territorial issues.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the past decade

During the last ten years

Part 2

India

The nation of India

Part 3

has increased

Has made something larger in amount

Part 4

its development assistance to Nepal

The financial and technical help given to Nepal for its growth

Part 5

but it also

However, at the same time

Part 6

strained

Made a relationship difficult or less friendly

Part 7

its ties

Its relationship with Nepal

Part 8

over the constitution, the long blockade on border trade, and territorial issues

Because of disagreements about Nepal’s laws, stopped trade at the border, and land disputes

Sentence 11 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As Mayor of Kathmandu

During the time he was the head of Nepal’s capital city

Part 2

Mr. Shah

The current Prime Minister Balen Shah

Part 3

was known

Was famous or recognized for something

Part 4

for his overt nationalism, and rejection of the “hegemony” of India and other powers

For his strong love for his country and his refusal to accept the dominance of big countries like India

Part 5

while his use of a map of “Greater Nepal” had been read with some concern in New Delhi

Even though India was worried about him using a map that showed a much larger Nepal (including some Indian lands)

Sentence 12 of 13

Yet, there is a distinct possibility that given the challenges Nepal now faces, and its proximity to India, he will choose pragmatism over ideology.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Yet

However; in spite of that

Part 2

there

A word used to start the sentence about a situation

Part 3

Exists

Part 4

a distinct possibility that given the challenges Nepal now faces, and its proximity to India, he will choose pragmatism over ideology

A clear chance that he will do what is practical instead of just following his strong beliefs, because of Nepal’s problems and being close to India

Sentence 13 of 13

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

A crucial requirement for the land-locked country

Something very important that Nepal needs as it is surrounded by land

Part 2

fuel and fertilizer imports from India

Buying petrol, diesel, and farming chemicals from India

Part 3

an early visit to New Delhi

A trip to India’s capital by the Nepal PM soon

Part 4

both sides

Both India and Nepal

Part 5

an opportunity to restart conversations where they were set aside during the map dispute

A chance to talk again about things they stopped discussing because of the disagreement about borders

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - India-Nepal Ties

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about India-Nepal relations under the leadership of Balen Shah.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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Politics and Governance 7 Economy 7 International Relations 2 Science and Technology 2 Environment 3 Society 0 Security 1 Infrastructure and Energy 2 Media and Communication 1 Miscellaneous 7

Vocabulary Feeds

Challenging Vocabulary 151 Idioms and Phrases 108 Phrasal Verbs 52

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