Sushila Karki takes oath as Nepal's first female

Nepal's President disbanded Parliament, declaring new elections on March 5, 2026.

This choice came after vigorous protests led by Gen Z that removed Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, spurred by corruption, poor governance, and a disputed social media restriction.

Chief Justice Sushila Karki’s selection, supported by demonstrators, followed extensive discussions with legal specialists, political figures, and the military.

Chief Justice Sushila Karki

– She is highly regarded for her principles and commitment to fighting corruption and currently heads a temporary Cabinet responsible for reinstating order, probing recent unrest, and getting ready for elections.

– India embraced the new administration, expressing optimism for harmony and ongoing collaboration.

Concise summary of India-Nepal relations

Nepal borders five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The longstanding civilizational and cultural connections between India and Nepal are demonstrated by the robust relationship among their populations.

Nepal is a key partner for India as part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ strategy.

Cooperation in Defense and Security:

India and Nepal share a longstanding and comprehensive partnership that is mutually advantageous in defence and security.

The armies of both nations maintain strong and friendly connections founded on shared trust and respect.

India and Nepal share a long-standing tradition of conferring the Honorary rank of General to the Army Chief of the other country.

The close ties between the two armies have been further reinforced through the Gorkha Regiment.

Nepal holds strategic significance due to its placement between India and China.

Collaborative advancement

India’s developmental collaboration with Nepal features significant human resource support, providing more than 1,500 scholarships each year for education in various sectors like medicine, engineering, agriculture, and traditional arts.

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative includes training, consultancy services, study tours, and feasibility assessments for Nepali professionals.

The President of Nepal dissolved Parliament, announcing new elections for March 5, 2026.

This decision followed intense demonstrations organized by Gen Z, which resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, driven by issues of corruption, ineffective governance, and a controversial limitation on social media.

The selection of Chief Justice Sushila Karki, backed by protesters, came after lengthy consultations with legal experts, political leaders, and the armed forces.

Chief Justice Sushila Karki

– She is well-respected for her values and dedication to combating corruption and presently leads a temporary Cabinet tasked with restoring order, investigating recent turmoil, and preparing for elections.

– India welcomed the new government, conveying hope for unity and continued partnership.

Brief overview of India-Nepal relations

Nepal shares its borders with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

The enduring civilizational and cultural ties between India and Nepal are reflected in the strong bond among their people.

Nepal is an important ally for India within its ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach.

Collaboration in Defense and Security:

India and Nepal have a deep-rooted and extensive partnership that benefits both nations in terms of defence and security.

The military forces of both countries uphold robust and amicable ties based on mutual trust and esteem.

India and Nepal have a deep-rooted tradition of granting the Honorary rank of General to the Army Chief of the opposite nation.

The strong connection between the two armies has been further strengthened by the Gorkha Regiment.

Nepal has strategic importance because of its location between India and China.

Joint progress

India's developmental partnership with Nepal includes substantial human resource support, offering over 1,500 scholarships annually for studies in fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and traditional arts.

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program offers training, consultation services, study visits, and feasibility studies for professionals from Nepal.