India on Friday welcomed the formation of an interim government in Nepal led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, expressing confidence that the move would help bring peace and stability to the Himalayan nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in an official statement, underlined that India and Nepal are “close neighbours, fellow democracies and long-term development partners,” and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to working together for the prosperity of both nations.
“We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs. Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability. As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries,” the MEA said.
Karki, sworn in earlier in the day by President Ramchandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu, has become Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister. Her appointment follows the resignation of KP Sharma Oli after mass Gen Z–led protests demanded a credible, non-political figure to guide the country through a transitional phase.
Her rise to the post marks a rare consensus in Nepali politics. Backed by both young protesters and traditional parties, Karki is tasked with restoring order, preparing for elections, and steering Nepal’s development.
A respected legal figure, Karki served as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice in 2016, earning recognition for her strong anti-corruption verdicts and unwavering judicial independence. Though nominated under the Nepali Congress quota, she was known for refusing to yield to political pressure.
Described by colleagues as principled and courageous, Karki has long been vocal against corruption and is admired for her integrity and austere lifestyle. Former justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai hailed her as “a true Gandhian” and expressed confidence that she would guide Nepal through the transition while upholding democratic values.
