‘I Will Say Namaskaar’: Nepal’s First Woman PM Sushila Karki On Meeting Modi, Recalls Indian Roots

<p>Nepal&rsquo;s First Woman PM Sushila Karki Recalls Indian Roots, Warmly Praises Ties With Modi</p>
<p>Nepal&rsquo;s new interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki is no stranger to India. Like millions of Nepalis with deep cross-border connections, the 73-year-old leader has long-standing cultural and personal ties with the country she calls a &ldquo;cousin.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Karki, who made history on Friday as Nepal&rsquo;s first woman prime minister, studied political science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Uttar Pradesh and fondly recalls her student days by the Ganga. &ldquo;I still remember my teachers, my friends, and the river Ganga. Beside the river, there was a hostel, and in summer, we would sleep on the terrace,&rdquo; she told News18.</p>
<h2>Warm Words for Modi</h2>
<p>Asked about her expectations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karki responded with warmth. &ldquo;First, I will say namaskaar to Modi ji. I have a good impression of him,&rdquo; she said.</p>
<p>While noting that government-to-government relations are complex, she stressed that people-to-people ties between India and Nepal remain uniquely close. &ldquo;India has helped Nepal at all times. But there is a saying in Hindi: when utensils are kept together in the kitchen, they make some sound. It happens!&rdquo; she remarked with a smile.</p>
<p>Karki emphasised the goodwill shared across the border: &ldquo;There is such a good relationship between the people of Nepal and the people of India. Many of our relatives, many acquaintances&hellip; we have so much love.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>Border Bonds and Shared History</h2>
<p>Born in Biratnagar, just 25 miles from the Indian border, Karki said cross-border exchanges were part of her everyday life. &ldquo;From my home, it was close to the market at the border. We would regularly shop there,&rdquo; she recalled.</p>
<p>Even as she avoided laying out detailed policy positions, Karki signalled a desire for constructive engagement with New Delhi. &ldquo;We have not been in touch with India for many days. We will talk about it. When it is an international matter between two countries, some people sit together and make a policy,&rdquo; she said.</p>
<p>Karki, who rose from being Nepal&rsquo;s first female chief justice to leading the country during a political upheaval driven by Gen Z protesters, said she remains &ldquo;very much impressed&rdquo; with Indian leaders. &ldquo;We consider them as our own brothers and sisters,&rdquo; she added.</p>