Nepal’s Gen Z Movement Picks Sushila Karki as Interim Prime Minister – What This Means for India-Nepal Relations

Sep 11, 2025

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Nepal is witnessing a historic political moment. A massive youth-led movement has reshaped the country’s political landscape, leading to the resignation of the sitting Prime Minister and the selection of a respected figure, Sushila Karki, as the interim Prime Minister. This shift signals a powerful demand for transparency, accountability, and change — and also carries important implications for Nepal’s ties with India.

Background of the Gen Z Protest Movement

Key Aspect	Details
Trigger	Government ban on social media platforms, public anger over corruption, unemployment, and poor governance.
Protests	Youth-led, largely organized online, spreading rapidly to major cities.
Casualties	At least 25 people lost their lives during clashes with security forces.
Result	Resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli under pressure from protesters.

The protests reflect a generational shift in Nepal, with young people demanding a government that prioritizes ethics, jobs, and digital freedom.

Who is Sushila Karki?

Profile	Details
Position	Former Chief Justice of Nepal (First woman to hold the post).
Education	Studied in India at Banaras Hindu University, where she developed deep ties with Indian culture.
Reputation	Known for honesty, neutrality, and legal expertise.
Why Chosen	Seen as a non-political, respected figure to lead an interim government during this crisis.

Her appointment marks a symbolic victory for women and the youth, as well as a step toward stabilizing Nepal’s political environment.

Sushila Karki on India and Its Leaders

She publicly expressed warmth and respect toward Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Karki recalled how Indians treated her “like a sister” during her student years in India, highlighting the deep people-to-people ties between the two nations.
She mentioned fond memories of the Ganga River, her teachers, and her time at Banaras Hindu University — signaling a personal connection to India that could help strengthen bilateral ties.

Impact of Karki’s Appointment on Nepal-India Relations

Area	Potential Impact
Diplomatic Ties	Likely smoother communication and cooperation between the two governments during the transition.
People-to-People Relations	Her statements reinforce cultural and emotional bonds between Nepalese and Indians.
Trade and Economy	Stability in Nepal could boost cross-border trade and tourism.
Regional Influence	India’s role as a key partner in Nepal’s development could grow under a friendlier interim government.

Why This Moment Matters

Youth Power: Nepal’s Gen Z has demonstrated its ability to influence national politics.
New Leadership: A woman with a clean track record taking the helm sends a strong message of reform.
Bilateral Goodwill: Her positive remarks about India may open a new chapter in India-Nepal relations at a critical time.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Nepal’s Prime Minister resign?
A: Prolonged youth-led protests over corruption, joblessness, and digital restrictions forced the Prime Minister to step down.

Q2. Who is Sushila Karki?
A: She is Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, now selected by Gen Z protesters as the interim Prime Minister for her integrity and neutrality.

Q3. What triggered the protests?
A: The protests began over a government ban on social media platforms and broader dissatisfaction with governance.

Q4. How does Sushila Karki view India?
A: She has spoken warmly about Indian leaders and her time in India, describing Indians as treating her “like a sister” and recalling fond memories of studying at Banaras Hindu University.

Q5. Will her appointment improve Nepal-India ties?
A: Her positive stance toward India and focus on stability is likely to create a friendlier atmosphere for bilateral cooperation.

Q6. Is this the first time youth protests have led to leadership change in Nepal?
A: While Nepal has a history of mass movements, this is the first large-scale Gen Z-driven movement resulting in the selection of a new leader.

Q7. What challenges will the interim government face?
A: Managing economic recovery, restoring public trust, and preparing for free elections while maintaining peace.

Q8. How might this affect regional politics?
A: A stable Nepal with a reform-minded interim leader can enhance South Asian cooperation and reduce geopolitical tensions.

Conclusion

The rise of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister marks a watershed moment. Driven by Gen Z’s demands for change, her appointment symbolizes integrity, gender progress, and the potential for improved India-Nepal ties. As Nepal charts a new course under her leadership, both countries may enter a phase of deeper cooperation and mutual respect.

If you’re following South Asian politics, this is a story of how youth power and clean leadership can reshape a nation and its relationships with neighbors.