Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on being appointed the prime minister, twice on Saturday.

Addressing a mass meeting, Modi said that from the soil of Manipur, he also speaks to his friends in Nepal.

“Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a friend of India—a close and trusted friend. We are connected by a shared history, by shared faith, and we are moving forward together,” he told the gathering.

Karki was sworn in as head of the interim government on Friday evening.

On Saturday morning also, Modi congratulated the newly appointed prime minister of Nepal.

Issuing a statement earlier in the day, Modi said, “I extend my best wishes to Karki on assuming office as the prime minister of the interim government of Nepal.”

India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal, he added.

Later in the afternoon in Manipur, Modi said, “On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I warmly congratulate Sushila Karki on assuming the role of Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal.”

Her arrival as the first female prime minister of Nepal is an excellent example of women’s empowerment, Modi remarked.

“Today, I applaud every citizen of Nepal who upheld democratic values even in such an unstable environment,” said the Indian prime minister.

He drew attention to another special aspect of the recent events in Nepal that, according to him, has largely gone unnoticed.

“Over the past two or three days, young men and women of Nepal have been seen cleaning and painting the streets of Nepal with great hard work and a spirit of purity.”

He said he also saw their photos on social media. “This positive thinking, this constructive action, is not only inspiring—it is a clear sign of Nepal's renewal.”

The Indian government had already welcomed the formation of the new interim government in Nepal under the leadership of former chief justice Sushila Karki.

“We welcome the formation of a new interim government in Nepal, led by Karki,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday, immediately after her swearing-in. “We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.”

It further states that “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.”