PM Modi and Nepal interim PM Sushila Karki
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reaffirmed India’s support to Nepal’s new interim leadership, saying he had a “warm conversation” with Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki.In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability.” “I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow,” he added.PM Modi also congratulated Karki on her appointment, describing her leadership as a milestone for gender equality. “Her arrival as the first woman PM of Nepal is a sterling example of women’s empowerment,” he said.The Prime Minister praised the role of Nepal’s youth in recent developments, highlighting their civic participation. “One special feature of the recent developments visible on social media is the way youth have been cleaning the streets of Nepal and trying to spruce up their city. This positive deed, the positive thought behind it, is not only inspiring, it is also proof of the regeneration of Nepal,” he said. Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister at a ceremony in Sheetal Niwas, the presidential office, with President Ramchandra Paudel administering the oath. Her appointment followed weeks of massive “Gen Z” protests that led to the resignation of the KP Sharma Oli government.The demonstrations, which began in opposition to a brief social media ban, quickly expanded into a nationwide movement against corruption, nepotism, and the entrenched political elite. The protests escalated into attacks on government buildings, prompting the deployment of troops across Kathmandu.Among those considered for the interim post were former Nepal electricity authority chief Kulman Ghising, Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, and Dharan mayor Harka Sampang. Karki, who made history in 2016 as Nepal’s first female chief justice, had earlier faced impeachment over allegations of biased verdicts and interference in executive matters.
