On his first visit to Manipur after the violence in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the stage in Imphal to speak not just to the people of the state but also to Nepal, where political upheaval has led to the formation of an interim government.
“From the land of Manipur, I also want to speak to my friends in Nepal,” Modi said. “Nepal is India’s close friend. We share history and faith, and we move forward together. On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I congratulate Sushila ji (Karki) on taking charge of the interim government. I am confident she will strengthen the road to peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal.”
Terming Karki’s appointment as an example of “women empowerment”, he added: “Her becoming Nepal’s first woman prime minister is a proud example of women’s empowerment.”
Ending the political vacuum in Nepal following the fall of the K P Sharma Oli government after violent protests over corruption earlier this week, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister on Friday night, making her the first woman to lead the country.
Karki, 73, was administered the oath of office by President Ramchandra Paudel who also dissolved the House of Representatives.
Modi also praised Nepal’s youth for their civic efforts during the crisis. “Over the past few days, young men and women of Nepal have been cleaning and painting the streets with great dedication. Their positive thinking and constructive work are inspiring, a clear signal of a new dawn in Nepal. I wish the people of Nepal a bright future,” he added.
Earlier today, PM shared a congratulatory message on his X handle, saying: “I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal.”
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India welcomed Nepal’s new interim government, voicing hope that it would bring 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 External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
The change in leadership followed nearly a week of nationwide unrest after a social media ban, when simmering anti-corruption anger spilled onto the streets and forced the fall of KP Sharma Oli’s government.
Karki, backed by Gen-Z protesters, was picked through an unprecedented online vote on Discord. Now, as Nepal’s first woman interim prime minister, she faces the task of restoring order, steering the country towards elections, and charting a path of development.
