Modi calls Nepal interim PM, condoles deaths in protests

As part of the Neighbourhood First policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Sushila Karki, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal's interim administration. He condoled the loss of lives in the recent protests and expressed India's readiness to work closely with Kathmandu to restore peace and stability in the Himalayan state.

"Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of Nepal's Interim Government. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India's support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow," Modi said after the telephone conversation.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi conveyed India's readiness to work closely with Nepal to help restore peace and stability. Prime Minister Karki thanked him for India's support and reciprocated the desire to further strengthen bilateral ties, the MEA added.

This was the first telephone conversation between Modi and Karki. She told the Prime Minister that holding national elections remains the top priority of the interim government, which is determined to ensure accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance in line with the aspirations of Nepal's youth.

"Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today... She stated that, responding to the recent Gen-Z movement, holding elections will remain the top priority of the interim government, which is strongly committed to accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance, reflecting the aspirations of the youth," Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said after the call.

Karki conveyed her greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday and appreciated his message of solidarity. "Prime Minister Karki expressed confidence that the historical and close ties between Nepal and India will be further strengthened through multifaceted people-to-people links. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum of bilateral cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries," Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Sources said Nepal's mainstream political parties will leverage their cadre strength to make a comeback in the national elections. For new political forces, it is imperative to get their act together to win seats in Parliament and usher in fresh faces and ideas into Nepal's politics.

Karki was sworn in as Nepal's first woman Prime Minister by President Ramchandra Paudel on September 12. An anti-corruption crusader, she received Prime Minister Modi's congratulatory message through Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava on September 16.