'Condolences on Recent Tragic Deaths': PM Modi Speaks to Nepal PM Sushila Karki, Reaffirms Support

PM Modi spoke to interim Nepal PM Sushila Karki, offering condolences over recent protest-related deaths. He reaffirmed India's support for peace and stability in Nepal and extended greetings on country’s National Day, celebrated on September 19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a phone conversation with Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, expressing condolences over the loss of lives in recent protests. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for Nepal's peace and stability, while also extending warm greetings to the people of Nepal on the eve of their National Day, September 19.

PM Modi wrote on X, "Had a warm conversation with Mrs. 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."

The deadly Nepal protests

Nepal recently witnessed violent protests, which began from September 8 and continued until September 13. The 5-day Nepalese Gen Z protests left at least 72 people dead, including 59 protesters, 10 prisoners and three policemen. The unrest began after the government announced a sweeping ban on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. What started as an outcry against the ban soon expanded into a larger movement against corruption and political apathy, driven mainly by the country's youth, referred to as the 'Gen Z protest'.

Appointment of Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister

The protests forced former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on September 9. His resignation came hours after hundreds of demonstrators stormed his office, demanding his exit. Days of political uncertainty followed until Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, was chosen by the Gen Z protest leaders to head the caretaker government.

She was sworn in on September 12 and formally assumed office on September 14, becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister. Her appointment ended a week-long leadership vacuum and was seen as a response to widespread calls for fresh governance.

Declaration of martyrs and national mourning

On Sunday, Prime Minister Karki announced that those who died in the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 would be officially declared 'martyrs'. To honour their memory, Nepal observed a national day of mourning on September 17.

On that day, schools, colleges, and government offices across the country were closed, and the national flag was flown at half-mast in government buildings and Nepali missions abroad. Candlelight vigils were also held in several cities, including Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, one of the main protest sites.

Normalcy returns to Kathmandu

Despite the tragic violence, life in Kathmandu showed signs of recovery by Wednesday. Roads were open, vehicles were moving, and pedestrians were back in the markets and public spaces. The heavy atmosphere of protests and clashes gave way to cautious calm as the capital city resumed routine activity.