Imphal, September 13 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first visit to Manipur since the state was rocked by ethnic violence in 2023, used the symbolic backdrop of Kangla Fort in Imphal to deliver a message not only to the people of Manipur but also across the border to Nepal. In a surprise inclusion during his second speech of the day, Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s interim Prime Minister and praised the resilience of the Nepali people, particularly the youth.
Congratulating Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister
“Nepal, in the lap of the Himalayas, is our close friend. We are connected through history and faith, and we are progressing together. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I congratulate Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal,” Modi declared to loud applause.
The Prime Minister called Karki’s appointment a “historic milestone for women empowerment” in South Asia. He also saluted the Nepali people for upholding democratic values during one of the country’s most turbulent weeks in recent memory.
“One thing that has gone unnoticed in the recent events in Nepal is that, over the past few days, the youth of Nepal have been seen cleaning the streets. I have seen this on social media as well. This is a sign of Nepal’s resurgence. I extend my best wishes for Nepal’s brighter future,” Modi said.
His remarks followed a congratulatory message earlier in the day on social media platform X, where he reaffirmed India’s commitment to Nepal’s peace and prosperity.
The Political Upheaval in Nepal
Karki, a former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on Friday after the collapse of KP Sharma Oli’s government. The Oli administration fell in the wake of massive protests that broke out after a controversial social media ban, which protesters viewed as an attack on freedom of expression.
These protests, dubbed the “Gen-Z movement,” quickly spread nationwide. Initially sparked by anger over corruption and restrictions on digital platforms, they soon evolved into a broader rejection of political stagnation.
In a remarkable turn, the youth leaders organized an online vote via Discord to select an interim head of government. Sushila Karki, widely respected for her independence and integrity, was chosen as the consensus candidate.
Now, as Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister, she has the mandate to restore order, oversee governance, and prepare the nation for general elections scheduled on March 5, 2026.
India’s Response: Steadfast Support
India has long shared deep cultural, economic, and security ties with Nepal, making political stability in Kathmandu a matter of vital interest in New Delhi. Modi’s speech reinforced this perspective.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed the sentiment in a statement released on Friday:
“As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”
Analysts note that Modi’s public endorsement of Karki, delivered from Manipur, reflects India’s attempt to strengthen ties with Nepal’s new leadership while signaling support for the democratic aspirations of its younger generation.
Manipur’s Symbolism in the Nepal Message
The choice of Kangla Fort in Imphal as the stage for this diplomatic gesture was symbolic. For the people of Manipur, the fort represents resilience, history, and the pursuit of peace after years of turmoil. Modi’s words about Nepal’s resurgence mirrored his broader theme of reconciliation and renewal in Manipur itself.
By addressing Nepal from Manipur, Modi appeared to draw a parallel: both regions are striving to heal from unrest, guided by youth energy and a desire for peace.
The Road Ahead for Sushila Karki
Despite the optimism, Karki faces enormous challenges. Her selection through an unconventional, digital public vote gives her a unique legitimacy, but it also means she must balance the expectations of protesters with the realities of governance.
She inherits an economy struggling to recover from both the pandemic and political instability. Corruption, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps remain pressing issues. Moreover, her interim government will need to establish trust quickly to ensure smooth and credible elections in 2026.
For now, however, her appointment has been met with cautious optimism, both in Nepal and abroad. Support from India — Nepal’s largest trading partner and closest neighbor — will be critical.
A Message of Hope
By highlighting Nepal’s youth-led street-cleaning initiative after the protests, Modi sought to cast recent unrest not merely as disruption but as a step toward renewal. His message framed the upheaval as an opportunity to rebuild, with India standing ready as a partner.
For India, Nepal’s stability is vital for regional security and cultural kinship. For Nepal, the interim government led by Karki offers a chance to reset its political direction, balancing tradition with the aspirations of a digitally empowered generation.
As Modi concluded in Imphal, the resilience of Nepal’s people — especially its youth — may be the strongest sign yet of the country’s resurgence.