Nepal’s First Woman Interim PM: Will Sushila Karki’s Appointment Favor India?

Nepal has entered a new chapter in its tumultuous political history as Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice and a figure known for her uncompromising stance against corruption, has taken oath as the interim Prime Minister. Her rise is not only significant for Nepal’s democratic revival but also holds positive implications for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Karki on her appointment, underlining New Delhi’s commitment to Nepal’s progress. With her deep India connection having studied at Banaras Hindu University and sharing warm views about Modi her leadership appears far more favorable for India compared to KP Sharma Oli, who was widely viewed as a puppet of China.

From Courtroom to Kathmandu’s Political Epicenter

Sushila Karki’s political journey is extraordinary, given that she has no background in active politics. At 73, she became Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister, marking another historic first after serving as the country’s first female Chief Justice between 2016 and 2017.

Her rise came in the wake of unprecedented protests led by Nepal’s youth against corruption and political mismanagement under KP Sharma Oli’s government. These Gen-Z protests, organized through the social media platform Discord, shook the nation and toppled a sitting government. Despite Oli’s desperate attempt to silence dissent by banning 26 apps, including Discord, the movement gathered momentum, leaving at least 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured.

In this backdrop of political unrest, Karki’s reputation as a fearless judge and corruption fighter made her the consensus choice. What makes her elevation unique is that she was elected through an online vote on Discord another global first. Out of 7,713 votes cast, Karki won 3,833, defeating other candidates, including a popular YouTuber. Her appointment reflects the demand for clean politics and the rise of a digitally empowered generation in Nepal.

The India Connection and Modi’s Warm Gesture

Karki’s ties with India run deep and personal. Born in eastern Nepal in 1952, she pursued her higher education at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she completed her master’s in political science in 1975. During her time in India, she met Durga Prasad Subedi, her future husband and a Nepali Congress youth leader. Subedi himself played a central role in the famous 1973 Nepal Airlines hijacking incident, which diverted funds for the democratic struggle against Nepal’s monarchy.

Sushila Karki has often spoken warmly about India and her time at BHU, describing it as a place that shaped her outlook. Unlike Oli, who aggressively tilted towards China, she has emphasized the importance of balanced and friendly relations with India. Her admiration for PM Modi’s decisive leadership and her call for greater India-Nepal cooperation signal a new alignment that could benefit Kathmandu and New Delhi alike.

It is no surprise that within hours of her swearing-in, PM Modi extended his congratulations, reaffirming India’s commitment to Nepal’s development. This positive gesture reflects India’s willingness to work with Nepal’s new leadership, especially one that appears less hostile and more understanding of shared cultural, economic, and security interests.

Judicial Career, Integrity, and Controversy

Before entering politics, Sushila Karki made her name in the judiciary. Her tenure as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice was marked by strict anti-corruption rulings and a fearless approach to justice. She presided over landmark cases, including the conviction of a cabinet minister in a corruption scandal, which earned her both admiration and enemies.

Her uncompromising stance brought her into direct conflict with political elites. In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion filed by the then-ruling coalition of Nepali Congress and Maoists, accusing her of bias. The move backfired spectacularly, sparking nationwide protests in her support. Eventually, the motion was withdrawn, and the Supreme Court itself intervened to protect her position.

This background adds weight to her new political role. At a time when public anger against corruption has reached boiling point, her image as an incorruptible jurist offers hope for Nepal’s battered democracy. It also positions her as a leader who can work transparently with India, as New Delhi has long emphasized the importance of stability and clean governance in Kathmandu.

A Gen-Z Movement, Discord Elections, and the Fall of Oli

The protests that propelled Karki into power were unlike any Nepal had seen before. Organized by tech-savvy Gen-Z activists, they showcased the new power of social media in shaping political outcomes. Despite the Oli government’s draconian ban on social media apps, protesters circumvented restrictions, mobilized digitally, and coordinated nationwide strikes and marches.

Oli’s downfall was accelerated by his close alignment with China, which angered many Nepalis who saw it as undermining sovereignty. His failure to address corruption and his crackdown on digital freedom made him deeply unpopular. The movement eventually forced his resignation, leading to the appointment of Karki as the consensus interim Prime Minister under Article 61 of Nepal’s Constitution.

Interestingly, Karki’s election through Discord highlighted a unique global precedent never before had a national leader been chosen through a social media vote. This reflects the generational shift in Nepalese politics and the rise of youth-driven democratic demands.

A Favorable Turn for India-Nepal Relations

The rise of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister marks a turning point in political landscape. Her integrity, India connection, and appreciation for PM Modi’s leadership give India an edge in strengthening bilateral ties that had frayed under KP Sharma Oli’s pro-China policies.

For India, this change comes at a crucial time, as New Delhi continues to balance its neighborhood diplomacy while countering Beijing’s influence. Unlike Oli, who undermined India’s trust by leaning heavily towards China, Karki’s leadership appears committed to restoring balance and respecting Nepal’s historic ties with India.

With parliamentary elections scheduled for March 2026, Karki’s interim government faces the challenge of stabilizing the country, addressing corruption, and meeting the expectations of Gen-Z activists. Yet, her appointment has already injected optimism into Kathmandu and New Delhi. If she succeeds in guiding Nepal towards clean politics and fair elections, it will not only be a victory for Nepalese democracy but also a strategic win for India.