Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming office as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, pledging India’s continued support for the Himalayan nation’s peace and progress.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Sushila Karki Ji on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. India is fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal’s brothers and sisters.”
India and Nepal share a 1,751 km-long border across five Indian states, and their ties are rooted in shared culture, language, and religion. As part of New Delhi’s Neighbourhood First policy, PM Modi has visited Nepal five times since 2014, while Nepalese Prime Ministers have visited India ten times in the same period.
Karki, a former Chief Justice, was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on Friday at Sheetal Niwas, becoming the first woman to hold the post. Her appointment followed the resignation of KP Sharma Oli amid weeks of youth-led anti-corruption protests demanding accountability.
In its first meeting, the new cabinet approved the dissolution of Nepal’s Parliament and scheduled fresh elections for March 5, 2026, marking the start of a six-month transitional government tasked with restoring stability and preparing the nation for polls.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the development, expressing hope that the interim government would “help foster peace and stability” in Nepal while reaffirming India’s resolve to work closely with Kathmandu for mutual prosperity.
Karki’s elevation is seen as a breakthrough moment in Nepali politics, representing both a consensus among traditional parties and the influence of the youth movement. Notably, her selection came through a public vote on Discord, where Gen Z leaders and activists rallied behind her as a unifying figure during the political crisis.