PM Modi Congratulates Sushila Karki on Becoming Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s new interim prime minister, reaffirming India’s commitment to the “peace, progress and prosperity” of the Nepali people.

Karki, a former chief justice and anti-corruption activist, was sworn in after student-led protests forced the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The demonstrations, triggered by a social media ban, escalated into nationwide unrest that left more than 70 people dead and hundreds injured.

In its first reaction, India’s foreign ministry welcomed Karki’s appointment and said New Delhi would continue working closely with Kathmandu as a “close neighbour, fellow democracy and long-term development partner.”

Modi, who earlier chaired a security meeting on Nepal, described the recent violence as “heart-rending” and expressed anguish at the deaths of many young protesters.