PM Modi speaks to Nepal’s Sushila Karki, backs ‘efforts to restore peace’ after Gen Z unrest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday talked to Nepal’s interim leader Sushila Karki. He condoled deaths during youth-led protests earlier this month and reaffirmed India’s support to peace and stability in Nepal.

Modi also wished Karki and the people of Nepal on the National Day that will be observed on Friday, September 19.

“Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow,” said Modi on X.

Last week, Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal after days of intense negotiations. She is the first woman to be the Prime Minister of Nepal.

After her swearing-in ceremony that was attended by the Indian envoy to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, Modi had wished Karki.

“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,” said Modi on September 13.

Karki was appointed as Nepal’s interim leader after her predecessor, KP Sharma Oli, resigned among nationwide anger as the police crackdown on nationwide ‘Gen Z’ protests killed dozens of people and injured over a thousand people. As per latest figures, at least 74 persons were killed and over 2,300 were injured.

In her first actions as Nepal’s interim leader, Karki recommended the dissolution of House of Representatives and called fresh elections in March 2026. Paudel accepted these recommendations.

Modi on Nepal crisis

Previously, Modi had said expressed concerns about the situation in Nepal as violence was raging in the country.

Calling the violence, including deaths of young protesters, “heart-rending”, Modi on Sept. 9 said that the “peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us” and appealed to “brothers and sisters in Nepal to support peace”. He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) that day.

The CCS comprises Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

In a separate statement after Karki’s swearing-in, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had welcomed the formation of the interim government.

“We are hopeful that this would help in fostering 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 statement said.