Indian PM Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated his Nepali counterpart Sushila Karki for taking the oath as the country’s first woman Prime Minister, albeit in an interim capacity, and said it stands as an example of women’s empowerment.
Speaking during an event in Imphal, Modi was quoted as saying by the media: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt. Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal.”
“Sushila ji’s taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women’s empowerment,” he said.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in on Friday as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, becoming the country’s first woman to hold the post after days of violent protest and turbulence.
The ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Kathmandu, capping days of political speculation and intense negotiations.
The oath was administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel in the presence of Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat.
Following the ceremony, it was formally decided that general elections will be held on 5 March, 2026.
Karki’s appointment comes amid a turbulent political climate marked by youth-led protests against corruption and restrictions on social media.
As interim leader, she is expected to head a small caretaker cabinet tasked with steering the country towards fresh elections.
The breakthrough comes after three days of nationwide protests, largely led by young demonstrators angered by corruption and a government ban on several social media platforms.
By Wednesday, Karki’s name had gained traction among the protesters as a consensus candidate to lead a transitional administration.
