Kathmandu, Sept 14: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message of friendship to Nepal from Manipur on Saturday. Congratulating Nepal’s first female Prime Minister Sushila Karki, he reaffirmed the deep ties between the two neighboring countries.

During his first visit to conflict-hit Manipur since the 2023 violence, Modi addressed a public gathering in Imphal and called Nepal a close friend of India. He said the two countries are connected by shared history and trust.

Modi said, “From this land of Manipur, I also want to speak to my colleagues in Nepal. Nepal is India’s friend, a close friend. We are connected by shared history and trust and we are moving forward together.”

He congratulated Karki on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians for taking charge as head of the interim government. He expressed confidence that she would lead Nepal toward peace, stability, and prosperity.

Calling Karki an inspiring example of women’s empowerment, Modi praised her for upholding democratic values even during instability and lauded the resilience of Nepal’s democracy.

Referring to images of Nepali youth cleaning and painting streets during the recent protests, he said that such actions were not only inspiring but also a clear sign of Nepal’s new beginning.

Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s first female prime minister at Sheetal Niwas after KP Sharma Oli resigned following a youth-led anti-corruption movement.

India welcomed her interim government, tasked with maintaining peace and preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, and pledged continued support. Her appointment was endorsed through a public vote by “Gen Z” on Discord.

People’s News Monitoring Service