Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on becoming the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, reaffirming India’s commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the neighbouring Himalayan nation. Modi’s message, posted on X, reflected India’s long-standing emphasis on its “Neighbourhood First” policy and highlighted the deep socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic ties binding the two countries.

Sushila Karki, sworn in on September 12 at the presidential residence in Kathmandu, is the first woman in Nepal’s history to assume the office of Prime Minister. Her appointment follows the resignation of KP Sharma Oli after weeks of widespread anti-corruption protests led by youth movements demanding accountability from the political establishment.

Nepal’s President’s Office announced that the country’s parliament had been dissolved late Friday, with fresh elections to the Federal Parliament scheduled for March 5, 2026. This decision was formalised during Karki’s first cabinet meeting at 11 pm, marking the start of a six-month transitional government tasked with maintaining stability and preparing for the elections.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India formally welcomed the formation of the interim government, stating that New Delhi “will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.” The MEA also expressed hope that the arrangement would bring stability during a politically turbulent time for Nepal.

Karki’s selection stands out as a rare consensus-driven outcome in Nepal’s unpredictable political landscape. Her nomination was unique in that it emerged through a youth-led process, where Gen Z activists conducted a public vote on Discord, elevating her as an acceptable choice across both reformist and traditional political ranks. This underlines the emergence of new public engagement models in Nepal’s democratic evolution, where digital platforms and grassroots activism increasingly shape political discourse.

For India, Nepal remains a vital neighbour with a shared 1,751-km border spanning five Indian states. Modi has visited Nepal five times since 2014, while Nepal’s leaders have made ten reciprocal trips to New Delhi during the same period, underscoring the frequency of high-level exchanges between the two sides. Modi’s swift outreach to Karki signals India’s intention to play a constructive role in ensuring a smooth transition in Kathmandu during the delicate interim phase.

Based On ANI Report