PM Modi dials new Nepal counterpart, pledges ‘steadfast support’ as nation reels from deadly unrest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18 reached out to Nepal’s new leader, Sushila Karki, assuring India’s “steadfast support” as the Himalayan nation grapples with the aftermath of violent anti-graft protests that claimed 72 lives and forced the exit of the KP Sharma Oli government.

In his first conversation with Karki since she assumed office as head of Nepal’s interim government, Modi expressed condolences over the casualties in clashes between protesters and police, while lauding her efforts to restore calm and stability.

“Had a warm conversation with Mrs. 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,” Modi posted on X. He also extended greetings to Nepal ahead of its National Day.

The call, initially slated for Tuesday, came two days after India’s Ambassador in Kathmandu, Naveen Srivastava, met Karki and conveyed New Delhi’s willingness to help rebuild public property destroyed during the violent unrest.

The protests, led largely by Gen Z demonstrators, erupted against alleged corruption under Oli’s administration and were further inflamed by the government’s now-revoked ban on social media platforms. Arson and vandalism swept across cities, leaving more than 2,100 injured and state infrastructure in ruins.

Karki, 73, who was sworn in on Sunday, faces the daunting twin challenge of healing a fractured nation and preparing for national elections scheduled for March 5. One of her first directives was to launch the rebuilding of public structures gutted during the protests.