In a rare diplomatic moment, Prime Minister Sushila Karki received a phone call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Chinese and US ambassadors Chen Song and Dean Thompson met her separately on the same day.

This shows the curiosity of Nepal’s immediate neighbours—India and China—as well as the US over the recent political changes in Kathmandu.

As soon as Karki assumed the office last week following the success of the Gen Z movement, she was congratulated by India, China, and the US, among others.

During the phone call with Modi and meetings with the Chinese and US ambassadors, Karki sought support and commitment from all three sides for the upcoming elections on March 5, which is the top priority of the interim government.

Other priorities include reconstruction of damaged structures, forming an investigation commission to probe atrocities committed during Gen Z protests, and putting in place a high-level commission to probe corruption.

Earlier, Modi had personally praised Karki on her appointment as the first female prime minister of Nepal.

On Thursday, Modi spoke with Karki for almost half an hour, while Chinese ambassador Chen and US ambassador Thompson called on Karki at her office separately.

During the conversation, the Indian prime minister congratulated Karki on her historic appointment.

“On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi also expressed heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives in the recent youth movement and stated that India stands in solidarity with Nepal during this pivotal moment. The Indian prime minister also extended warm wishes on the occasion of the National Day (Constitution Day) of Nepal,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.

Karki conveyed her greetings and best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday and appreciated his message of solidarity.

She stated that responding to the call of the Gen Z movement, elections will be the top priority of the present government, with a strong determination for accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance, reflecting the aspirations of the youth, said the ministry.

The Indian prime minister assured full support and cooperation in line with the priorities of the government of Nepal, the ministry said.

“Both prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation and partnership for the benefit of the peoples of two countries,” the foreign ministry statement added.

According to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, Modi conveyed India’s readiness to continue working closely to further strengthen the special ties between the two countries and India’s full support to Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability, and for the progress of the people of Nepal.

“Prime Minister Karki thanked the prime minister for India’s firm support to Nepal and reciprocated the prime minister’s desire to further strengthen ties between the two countries,” said the statement.

Modi also extended felicitations on the occasion of the upcoming National Day of Nepal, and the leaders agreed to stay in touch, the statement said.

After the Modi-Karki phone conversation, Chinese ambassador Chen called on Karki, where the two briefly discussed Nepal-China ties and China’s support for the new government.

During the meeting, matters relating to further strengthening Nepal-China relations and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation were discussed, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

According to one official present at the meeting, the Chinese ambassador told Karki that the northern neighbour expects Nepal’s continued support for the ‘One China’ policy. And Prime Minister Karki reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the policy.

“The Chinese ambassador conveyed the congratulatory message from the government of China to the prime minister on her appointment. Stating that China respects the political as well as developmental path chosen by Nepali people, he expressed commitment for continued support to Nepal in its aspiration for development and prosperity,” said the foreign ministry statement.

After the meeting, Chen said they exchanged views and agreed to further promote friendship and cooperation.

Following the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, US ambassador Thompson paid a courtesy call on Karki. They discussed various aspects of Nepal-US relations, including projects under the Millennium Challenge Nepal Compact (MCA).

Matters relating to further strengthening Nepal-US bilateral relations were also discussed, said the foreign ministry in a statement. The US ambassador expressed the US government’s commitment to continue supporting Nepal’s development aspirations.

During the meeting, Thompson had apprised Karki on the progress made in MCC projects, for which the US has committed $500 million and later an additional $50 million. Karki said that as her Cabinet ministers are experts in infrastructure and international support, she would discuss the status of MCC projects with them. “We are positive about giving continuity to the MCC projects,” the official quoted Karki as telling Thompson.

“I am not fully updated on all these issues. Since I am taking on a huge burden and stressed out due to various issues, I will definitely take briefings later,” Karki told the ambassador, and suggested that he speak to Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal. The Finance Ministry is the focal agency to implement the projects in coordination with MCA–Nepal.

The US ambassador stated that a certain amount is being released by MCC headquarters in order to take forward the MCC projects in Nepal with the approval of the Nepali Cabinet.

After months of pause, the Trump administration decided to resume MCC operations in Nepal from July. In the first tranche, the MCC headquarters is going to release $50 million to take forward two MCC projects in Nepal.

The MCA-Nepal is a special vehicle under the government of Nepal overseeing the implementation of two projects—related to highway upgrade and electricity transmission line construction.

“As I offered my condolences for the lives lost in the recent protests, I also reaffirmed the United States’ support for Nepal’s peaceful and democratic path forward,” Thompson wrote on social media platform X after his meeting with Karki.

“Building on more than 78 years of the US-Nepal partnership, we discussed ways to advance trade, foster economic growth, strengthen disaster preparedness, and carry forward the MCC Nepal Compact to further the interests and prosperity of both our countries,” the US ambassador said.