Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Manipur, extended a special message to Nepal, calling it a “close friend” of India, bound by shared history and faith.
He congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister, describing it as a landmark moment for women’s empowerment. “On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I convey my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on taking charge as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. I am confident she will lead the country towards peace, stability, and prosperity. Her swearing-in as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a shining example of women’s empowerment,” he said.
Lauding the resilience of Nepalese citizens, PM Modi praised their commitment to democratic values even amid instability. He also commended the country’s youth for their recent cleanliness drive.
“Over the past few days, young men and women of Nepal have been working tirelessly to clean and paint roads. I have seen their inspiring pictures on social media. Their positive spirit and dedicated efforts are a clear reflection of Nepal’s new rise. I extend my best wishes for Nepal’s bright future,” he added.
Underlining that India and Nepal are “close neighbours, fellow democracies and long-term development partners”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday had welcomed the formation of an interim government in Kathmandu led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, expressing hope that the move would “help foster peace and stability” in the Himalayan nation.
In its response, the MEA had said India “will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”
“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 statement had read.
Sushila Karki, who was sworn in earlier on Friday by President Ramchandra Paudel at a formal ceremony in Kathmandu, has become Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister. Her appointment follows the resignation of KP Sharma Oli earlier this week after a youth-led movement demanded a non-political, credible figure to guide the country through the transition.
Karki’s selection marks a rare moment of consensus in Nepali politics. Chosen through a public vote held by Gen Z leaders on the online platform Discord, she emerged as the most popular and acceptable figure, not only among the youth movement but also among traditional political forces seeking stability and credibility in a time of upheaval, as per The Kathmandu Post.
Karki aims to restore order, hold elections, and ensure Nepal’s development. She’s acceptable to both youngsters and traditional political forces, praised for judicial independence. Born on June 7, 1952, in Shankarpur, Biratnagar, Karki’s journey to national leadership has been built on decades of legal experience and an unwavering reputation for integrity. After completing her early education in Biratnagar, she went on to earn a master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University in India, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from Tribhuvan University in 1978.