September 19, 2025

In a rare and exciting diplomatic moment, Nepal’s new Prime Minister Sushila Karki received a special phone call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the very same day, Chinese ambassador Chen Song and US ambassador Dean Thompson met her separately in Kathmandu. This triple diplomatic attention shows how curious Nepal’s neighbours – India and China – and the US are about Nepal's new political situation. Karki took office just last week after the success of the youth-led Gen Z movement. She was warmly congratulated by India, China, and the US, among others. During her talks with Modi and the two ambassadors, she asked for strong support and promises from all three countries for Nepal’s upcoming elections scheduled for March 5. This election is the top priority for her interim government. Other urgent goals include rebuilding structures damaged in protests, creating a commission to investigate abuses during the Gen Z protests, and setting up a high-level team to fight corruption. On Thursday, Modi spent nearly 30 minutes on the phone with Karki. The Indian Prime Minister congratulated her on becoming Nepal’s first female prime minister, a historic event. "On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi also expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in the recent youth movement and stated that India stands in solidarity with Nepal during this pivotal moment," said Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Modi also wished Nepal well on its National Day (Constitution Day). Karki, in return, sent her greetings to Modi on his 75th birthday and thanked him for his warm words. She said the government is determined to hold elections with strong focus on accountable, responsive, and corruption-free governance reflecting young people's hopes. Modi assured full support and cooperation aligned with Nepal’s priorities. “Both prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the peoples of two countries,” added the foreign ministry. After the Modi call, Chinese ambassador Chen met Karki at her office. They talked about strengthening ties between Nepal and China and Beijing’s support for Nepal’s new government. The Chinese envoy conveyed congratulations from China’s government and said China respects Nepal’s chosen political path. He asked for Nepal’s continued support for China’s 'One China' policy, which Karki confirmed. They agreed to promote friendship and cooperation further. Finally, US ambassador Dean Thompson visited Karki. They discussed Nepal-US relations, especially the big Millennium Challenge Nepal Compact (MCC) projects worth $500 million, with an extra $50 million added later. These projects focus on highways and electricity transmission. Thompson shared updates on the MCC progress and said the US is committed to helping Nepal’s development. Karki said her cabinet ministers, experts in infrastructure and foreign aid, will review these projects closely. Thompson also told Karki that after a pause, the MCC headquarters plans to release $50 million to push projects forward, with Nepal’s cabinet approval. Thompson posted on social media, "As I offered my condolences for the lives lost in the recent protests, I also reaffirmed the United States’ support for Nepal’s peaceful and democratic path forward." He added that the US-Nepal partnership has lasted over 78 years, and they talked about ways to boost trade, economic growth, disaster preparedness, and keep moving MCC projects for the good of both nations. So, with India, China, and the US all showing keen interest and support, Nepal’s new leader Sushila Karki is off to a colorful, hopeful start. This high-level diplomacity buzz promises exciting times ahead, especially with elections on the horizon!

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Tags: Nepal prime minister, Sushila karki, Narendra modi, China-us ambassadors, Gen z movement, Mcc projects,