Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s solidarity with Nepal’s new interim government on Thursday. PM Modi spoke in a “warm conversation” with Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, expressing India’s sympathies on the recent horrific loss of life and expressing firm support for Nepal’s mission to achieve peace and stability. The conversation was made public by PM Modi in an X post, where he also sent greetings for Nepal’s National Day.

Historic Appointment And Gender Equality

PM Modi also extended his congratulations to Sushila Karki on her appointment, terming her a “sterling example of women’s empowerment” and welcoming her as the first woman to head the government of Nepal. The appointment comes on the heels of weeks of widespread “Gen Z” protests that brought down the KP Sharma Oli government.

Nepal’s Political Turmoil And Gen Z Protests

Sushila Karki was administered the oath by President Ramchandra Paudel during a Sheetal Niwas ceremony. Her appointment follows an era of mass unrest triggered by a temporary ban on social media that quickly escalated to a nationwide anti-corruption, anti-nepotism, and anti-political elite uprising. The protests involved attacks on government premises and prompted the deployment of soldiers in Kathmandu. Prior to her appointment, Karki, Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016, had also faced an impeachment motion on the charge of handing down biased verdicts.

Praise For Youth’s Positive Action

While commenting on their positive civic engagement in the aftermath of the political crisis, PM Modi commended Nepal’s youth in his post. “This positive act, this positive thought behind it, is not just inspiring, it is also evidence of Nepal’s regeneration,” he added, pointing to how young people had been sweeping the streets of Kathmandu.