The recent general elections in Nepal appear to mark an important moment in the country’s democratic journey. Early indications suggest that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), associated with rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah, may emerge as a significant force in the formation of the next government. The development reflects a broader shift in Nepal’s political landscape, where voters appear willing to move beyond traditional parties and experiment with new political alternatives within a democratic framework.

Nepal’s political transformation over the last two decades has been remarkable. For much of its modern history, the country functioned under a monarchical system and experienced phases of political unrest. The people’s movement of 2006 paved the way for democratic reforms and the establishment of a multi-party political order. The Constituent Assembly formally declared Nepal a federal democratic republic on May 28, 2008, bringing an end to the centuries-old monarchy. The adoption of a new constitution in 2015 further strengthened the country’s democratic institutions by establishing a federal structure and defining the framework of governance.

India, as Nepal’s closest neighbour and longstanding partner, has consistently........

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