US, UK, China, India welcome Nepal’s interim government

The US, UK, China and India have welcomed the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal's interim prime minister.

In a statement on Sunday, the US embassy in Kathmandu commended President Ramchandra Paudel and the young leadership for their commitment to a democratic solution and expressed its condolences over the loss of lives.

The US embassy said in a statement that the role of the Nepali army and army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel was crucial in restoring order and ensuring a peaceful transition to civilian rule. The US said it was ready to work with the interim government as part of preparations for holding new parliamentary elections within the next six months.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman congratulated Sushila Karki on Sunday, saying that China and Nepal have a long-standing friendship. China always respects the path of development freely chosen by the Nepalese people. We stand ready to work with Nepal to strengthen peaceful coexistence, enhance cooperation in various fields and further advance bilateral relations based on the five principles.

The UK also called Karki's appointment an "important step".

In a Facebook post on Friday, the British Embassy in Kathmandu said, "The appointment of Rt. On. Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister is an important step in the wake of this week's events. As a long-standing friend of Nepal, we recognise the challenges ahead and pledge to support the aspirations of the Nepalese people for accountable and inclusive governance."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki in a post on the microblogging platform X, saying, "Congratulations to Rt. On. Sushila Karki on assuming the office of the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. India is firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal."

This was the first reaction from India to the situation in Nepal.

Sushila Karki is the first female Prime Minister in the history of Nepal. The interim government, sworn in at the Shital Niwas last Friday night, has been tasked with organizing new parliamentary elections within six months.