Prime Minister Sushila Karki held her first conversation with a foreign head of government on Thursday morning, speaking via telephone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Had a warm conversation with Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability. Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow,” said Modi in a post on X.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava had earlier conveyed Modi’s congratulations on Karki’s appointment and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two neighbours.

Modi had already congratulated Karki on being appointed the prime minister.

Addressing a mass meeting on Saturday, Modi said that from the soil of Manipur, he was also speaking to “my 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. On Saturday morning also, Modi also congratulated the newly appointed prime minister of Nepal.

Issuing a statement, Modi had 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.

Karki was appointed prime minister on Friday.