Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming office as the interim Prime Minister of violence-hit Nepal, reaffirming India’s support for the country’s peace and prosperity.
“On assuming office as interim Prime Minister of Nepal, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Hon’ble Mrs Sushila Karki. India remains fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of our brothers and sisters in Nepal,” Modi said in a post on X.
Karki, a former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, was sworn in on Thursday, becoming the first woman to hold the post of Prime Minister in the country’s history. Her appointment follows weeks of youth-led protests demanding accountability, curbs on corruption, and political reform after the controversial social media ban that triggered unrest across Nepal.
The protests, which saw dozens killed and over a thousand injured, forced the resignation of the previous government and the dissolution of parliament. Several public buildings, including the parliament complex, were torched during the violence, prompting calls for a neutral figure to lead an interim administration and oversee fresh elections.
Karki, 73, is widely respected for her integrity and strength. During her tenure as Chief Justice between 2016 and 2017, she was known for taking a firm stand against corruption. She is seen as a consensus candidate acceptable to both the protest leaders and Nepal’s political establishment.
The interim government under Karki is tasked with restoring order, investigating violence during the protests, and preparing for the general elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
