Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday with Nepal’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, to discuss bilateral relations, peace efforts, and the recent political developments in Kathmandu. The conversation marked Karki’s first official engagement with a foreign head of government since assuming office earlier this week.
According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Karki on her appointment and assured her of India’s “steadfast commitment” to supporting Nepal’s political stability and democratic transition. He emphasized that India stands with the people of Nepal as the country navigates through its current political challenges.
During the call, Modi also expressed condolences over the recent clashes between police and protesters that left several casualties and injuries in Kathmandu and surrounding regions. Stressing the importance of peace and dialogue, Modi reiterated India’s willingness to assist Nepal in strengthening its democratic institutions and fostering inclusive governance.
Sushila Karki, a respected jurist and Nepal’s first woman to serve as Chief Justice, assumed the role of interim Prime Minister following the resignation of Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli amid mounting political unrest. Her appointment comes at a critical time for Nepal, which has been grappling with protests over constitutional amendments, governance disputes, and calls for greater inclusion of marginalized communities.
Diplomatic observers view Modi’s outreach as a signal of India’s proactive role in South Asia, particularly in ensuring stability in its Himalayan neighbor. India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, but relations have occasionally been strained due to border disputes and political sensitivities. The Indian Prime Minister’s early call to Karki is seen as an attempt to reset and reaffirm trust between the two nations.
In recent months, India has closely monitored Nepal’s internal developments, especially after the violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators demanding political reforms. Reports indicate that at least 19 people have died in the unrest, sparking concerns in the region about the potential for further instability.
Analysts suggest that Karki’s leadership could provide a transitional phase aimed at restoring calm before fresh elections are held. India, with its longstanding influence in Nepal, is expected to play a crucial role in supporting this process. The two leaders reportedly discussed avenues for cooperation, including infrastructure development, cross-border trade, and regional security.
The conversation also underscored the broader geopolitical importance of Nepal, which remains a key strategic partner for both India and China. By engaging swiftly with Karki, India appears determined to strengthen bilateral relations and counterbalance Beijing’s growing influence in Kathmandu.
Concluding the exchange, Modi reaffirmed India’s “neighbourhood first” policy, highlighting that New Delhi would continue to stand by Nepal in its pursuit of peace, stability, and development. Karki, in turn, expressed appreciation for India’s solidarity and pledged to work towards deepening ties between the two nations.
As Nepal moves toward political reconciliation, the call between Modi and Karki is expected to set the tone for India-Nepal relations in the coming months, shaping not only bilateral cooperation but also the broader dynamics of South Asian regional stability.
