A delegation from Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by its chief and former deputy prime minister, met BJP president Nitin Nabin in New Delhi on Tuesday as part of the ruling party’s “Know BJP” program. The meeting continues a series of outreach efforts by which the BJP introduces foreign political figures and diplomats to its organization, ideology and approach to governance.
The visit occurs as India-Nepal relations draw renewed notice after Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah commented on long-standing disputes over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. Shah stated that territorial issues between the two nations were “not one-sided” and that Nepal had also occupied Indian land in certain areas, while repeating Kathmandu’s claims.
The “Know BJP” campaign began on the party’s 42nd Foundation Day on April 6, 2022. It promotes two-way exchanges involving foreign party representatives, diplomats and heads of missions in India. The BJP says the program helps outsiders understand the operations of the world’s largest political party and its dual role in government and organization.
The foreign affairs department, Videsh Vibhag, led by Vijay Chauthaiwale, manages the initiative. It handles both incoming requests and outgoing invitations. Sessions typically include briefings on party ideology, its history since 1951, its growth and its focus on uplifting disadvantaged groups, followed by talks and a question period with the president and senior leaders.
The first session took place on April 6, 2022, under then president J P Nadda and involved envoys from 13 countries. Additional rounds followed in May and June 2022. Nadda conducted further meetings through 2023. Separately, a Chinese Communist Party group visited BJP and RSS headquarters earlier this year to discuss inter-party communication.
Nabin’s first “Know BJP” event occurred on May 26 with envoys from 12 countries. Tuesday’s meeting with the Nepali delegation marked his second such engagement, covering topics including grassroots participation and the role of younger generations in politics.
