Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his congratulations to Sushila Karki after she was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, marking a historic moment in the Himalayan nation’s politics.

In a message posted on X, PM Modi said, “Heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Sushila Karki Ji on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government. India is fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal's brothers and sisters.”

He further added, “I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.”

India and Nepal, which share a 1,751-km long border across five Indian states — Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand — are bound by centuries-old ties of culture, religion and language. Reflecting India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, PM Modi has visited Nepal five times since 2014, while Nepali Prime Ministers have traveled to India ten times in the same period.

Karki’s swearing-in as interim Prime Minister came shortly after Nepal’s Parliament was dissolved late Friday night. Fresh elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026. According to the President’s Office, the dissolution was approved in the first cabinet meeting convened by Karki at 11 pm, setting the course for a six-month transitional government to steer the country to the polls.

Following her oath-taking ceremony, India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the development, stating that it hoped the interim government would “help foster peace and stability” in Nepal. The MEA also reaffirmed that India “will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”