Modi reaffirms India's support to Nepal's new PM Sushila Karki in fresh phone call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (18 September) held a "warm and reassuring" conversation with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government, Sushila Karki, expressing deep condolences for the recent loss of lives in the country.

In a social media post on X, Narendra Modi said that he pledged India's unwavering support to Nepal during this critical time.

During the call, Indian Prime Minister Modi also conveyed greetings to Nepal on their National Day.

"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. Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow," PM Modi wrote on X.

Nepal's Gen-Z protest

Violent protests erupted across Nepal, especially in Kathmandu on 8 and 9 September that toppled the government led by former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and led to a formation of a new interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki.

Houses of several political leaders, important government buildings, business establishments and shopping complexes were set on fire during the protests.

Armed soldiers guard Kathmandu streets Wednesday, urging residents to stay home following widespread violence in which protesters stormed government buildings and targeted politicians. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to Kathmandu, and the security situation has improved. The movement of pedestrians and vehicles was seen yesterday (17 September) on the streets of the national capital as usual.

National Day of Mourning

The Nepal Cabinet on Tuesday (16 September) decided to mark September 17 as a public holiday. It also decided to build 'Gen-Z Memorial Park' in memory of those who lost their life in the protest.

"In memory of those who died during the protests organised by the Gen Z generation on September 8 and 9, the Government of Nepal has decided to observe a national day of mourning on Wednesday, September 17," said a statement issued by the Home Ministry that day.

A demonstrator holding Nepal's flag celebrates at the Singha Durbar office complex, that houses the Prime Minister's office and other ministries, during a protest against Monday's killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests that were triggered by a social media ban, which was later lifted, during a curfew in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 9, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

On 14 September, Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki had announced that those killed during the Gen Z protest would be declared "martyrs".