The Indian government earlier welcomed the formation of the interim government in Kathmandu. It said it hoped this step would bring peace and stability to the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nepal’s new Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Saturday. He said India is committed to the “peace, progress, and prosperity” of the people of Nepal.
“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,” Modi wrote on social media.
The Indian government earlier welcomed the formation of the interim government in Kathmandu. It said it hoped this step would bring peace and stability to the country.
Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first woman prime minister. She is also a former chief justice and a known anti-corruption activist.
She was sworn in at the president’s office after being chosen by student groups who led the recent protests. These youth-led movements forced former prime minister KP Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week.
The political crisis in Nepal began after Oli’s government banned 26 social media apps, including Facebook and Instagram. This sparked anger among young people, especially students, who soon expanded their protests to target Oli’s administration over alleged corruption and misrule.
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Police cracked down heavily on the demonstrations, leaving more than 20 people dead and hundreds injured. Even after Oli’s resignation, violence continued. Mobs torched government buildings, including the Parliament, and attacked the homes of political leaders.
By Tuesday, over 50 people had been killed before the army was deployed to control the situation.
India has been closely monitoring developments in Nepal. In its first reaction on Friday night, the Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the new interim government.
“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 ministry said.
On Tuesday, Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the crisis in Nepal. He expressed deep concern over the violence and the deaths of young protesters.
“The stability, peace, and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us,” Modi had said earlier. He called the violence “heart-rending” and said he was anguished by the loss of many young lives.
The appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister marks a new chapter in Nepal’s politics. For many protesters, her leadership represents a break from the old political order.
India has assured support for Nepal’s stability and growth. Now, the focus will be on whether the new government can restore calm and address the demands of the people.
