Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Nepal’s newly-appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, extending condolences over recent loss of lives during violent protests and assuring India’s full support in restoring peace and stability in the Himalayan nation.

“Had a warm conversation with 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,” PM Modi said in a statement, adding that he also extended greetings to the people of Nepal on the eve of their National Day.

Ms. Karki took charge as interim Prime Minister last week, days after the resignation of former premier K P Sharma Oli, who stepped down amid the biggest youth-led uprising Nepal has seen in decades.

Her appointment followed a meeting between President Ramchandra Paudel, senior military officials, and leaders of the Gen Z protest movement, which spearheaded the anti-government agitation.

The protests, initially triggered by a controversial ban on social media, soon escalated into a nationwide campaign against corruption, economic hardship, and the perceived lavish lifestyles of Nepal’s political class. Although the ban was lifted on September 8, public anger deepened, culminating in Mr. Oli’s resignation.

In his letter to President Paudel, Mr. Oli cited “extraordinary circumstances” and said he was stepping aside to pave the way for a constitutional and political resolution to the crisis.

The Modi-Karki conversation is being seen as a significant diplomatic signal of India’s continued partnership with Nepal at a time of political turbulence.