Subhechcha Ganguly 
Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal and a noted anti-corruption activist, was sworn in on Saturday as the head of the interim government following days of political turmoil in the Himalayan nation. She becomes Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister after being chosen by student groups whose protests against a social media ban and widespread corruption led to the resignation of KP Sharma Oli.
In his first reaction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes to Karki, underscoring India’s commitment to Nepal’s peace, progress, and prosperity. “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 posted on social media.
The Indian government also welcomed the formation of the interim government in Kathmandu, expressing hope that it would pave the way for stability and reconciliation in the neighbouring country. “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 of External Affairs said in a statement.
Karki’s appointment follows a violent crackdown on protesters earlier this week, in which more than 20 people—mostly students—lost their lives and hundreds were injured. The so-called Gen Z-led protests rapidly expanded beyond the social media ban, targeting Oli’s government over allegations of corruption and misrule.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi had chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to assess the crisis in Nepal, describing the violence as “heart-rending” and expressing anguish over the deaths of so many young people.
