NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India’s support for Nepal’s new interim government, following his recent conversation with Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. I conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability.” He also extended warm greetings to Karki and the people of Nepal ahead of their National Day.
Modi congratulated Karki on her appointment, highlighting her role as a significant milestone for gender equality. “Her arrival as the first woman PM of Nepal is a sterling example of women’s empowerment,” he remarked. The Prime Minister acknowledged the active participation of Nepal’s youth in recent events, particularly their civic efforts to clean streets, which he deemed inspirational and indicative of a rejuvenation in Nepal.
Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister at a ceremony presided over by President Ramchandra Paudel, marking a shift in leadership after weeks of protests led by the younger generation against the previous government of KP Sharma Oli. These protests, which initially arose in opposition to a brief social media ban, escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption and nepotism within the political elite, resulting in unrest that required troop deployment in Kathmandu.
Among those considered for the interim position were former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising, Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, and Dharan mayor Harka Sampang. Notably, Karki was appointed as Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016, despite having previously faced impeachment over allegations of biased rulings and executive interference.
