Nepal’s New Leader Sushila Karki Lauds India Ties, Says “We Consider Indian Leaders Our Brothers and Sisters”

Chosen by Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters to lead after the government’s fall, 73-year-old former judge Sushila Karki on Wednesday spoke warmly of India and expressed hope for strong bilateral ties.

“I greet Modi ji. I have a good impression about Modi ji,” said Karki, the only woman to have served as Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, in an interview with News18. She noted that Nepal and India had not been in touch “for many days” but stressed that international matters are resolved “when both sides sit together and make policy.”

Karki highlighted the deep people-to-people bond: “Government-to-government relations are one thing, but the relationship between the people of Nepal and India is very good… We have so much goodwill, love. We consider Indian leaders as our brothers and sisters.”

Recalling her student days at Banaras Hindu University, she said she still cherishes memories of her teachers, friends, and the Ganga river. “I am from Biratnagar, near the border. From my home, India is only 25 miles. I used to go regularly to the market there,” she added in Hindi.

On expectations from India, Karki remarked: “India has helped Nepal at all times. We are very close… But as the saying goes, when utensils are kept together in a kitchen, they make some sound. It happens.”

She also assured the safety of Indians in Nepal, saying the army had restored order after violent protests, while justice would be delivered to families of those killed.

At least 25 people lost their lives in the unrest triggered by a social media ban, which soon morphed into anti-corruption protests, eventually toppling the government on Tuesday.