The international community, particularly major powers such as India, China, the United States, and others, are closely watching the unfolding political developments in Nepal.
Some countries have already welcomed the installation of the interim government tasked with holding elections, while others are yet to issue official statements. The sizeable presence of Kathmandu-based ambassadors at the swearing-in ceremony signaled support for the new government.
On Saturday (Sept 13,) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki on assuming office as the head of Nepal’s interim government. “India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal,” Modi said in a statement.
Earlier, soon after Karki was sworn in, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement welcoming the formation of the interim government: “We are hopeful that this will help foster peace and stability. As a close neighbor, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”
On Sept 9, amid street protests, India had urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint and resolve issues through peaceful dialogue. The Indian cabinet’s security committee also met to review the situation in Nepal, while bordering states tightened security along the India–Nepal frontier. During this period, India refrained from commenting directly on Nepal’s political crisis.
Speaking at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur, Modi remarked: “Nepal, in the lap of the Himalayas, is our close friend. We are connected through history and faith, and we are progressing together. On behalf of 1.4bn Indians, I congratulate Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister. I am confident she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal.”
He also noted: “One thing that has gone unnoticed in recent events is that over the past few days, Nepal’s youth have been seen cleaning the streets. I saw this on social media. This is a sign of Nepal’s resurgence. I extend my best wishes for Nepal’s brighter future.” These statements make clear that India is ready to support the new government in Nepal and continue normal bilateral relations, unlike its recent discontent with developments in Bangladesh.
On Sept 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the developments: “China and Nepal are traditional friends and close neighbors. China hopes that various sectors in Nepal will address domestic issues properly and restore social order and stability soon.” Beijing maintains a policy of working with whichever government comes to power—democratic or authoritarian. With its growing influence and economic clout, China is confident it can safeguard its interests regardless of political shifts. However, the dissolution of the KP Sharma Oli-led government is considered a setback for China, as the two countries had been advancing several joint initiatives, including under the Belt and Road framework.
However, Dalai Lama’s congratulations to Prime Minister Karki may have surprised the Beijing. “As you know, the Nepalese and Tibetan peoples have historically enjoyed a close relationship,” he wrote. “I am very grateful to the government and the people of Nepal for providing facilities for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees following their forced escape from Tibet after 1959.
The US has not yet officially responded to the formation of the interim government, though the US ambassador attended Karki’s swearing-in ceremony. On Sept 8, the US Embassy led a joint statement with other democratic nations expressing concern over the violence in Kathmandu and elsewhere.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries during the demonstrations,” the statement read. “Our governments reaffirm our strong support for the universal rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and ensure these fundamental rights are protected.” Since Donald Trump’s re-election and the subsequent scaling back of US aid to countries like Nepal, Washington’s priorities in Nepal remain uncertain. With the State Department still in transition, the US government has said little about Nepal’s political crisis.
Soon after Karki took office, the Embassy of Japan expressed hope that Nepal would ensure a peaceful and democratic transition. “We welcome the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister of Nepal as an important step in this transition. The Japanese government will continue to support Nepal’s development and prosperity and to strengthen the long-standing cordial relations between our two countries,” its statement said.
Similarly, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, welcomed the appointment: “As a longstanding partner of the country, we support the people of Nepal and all efforts to ensure democracy, stability, and reconciliation.”
The UK Embassy in Kathmandu also issued a statement, calling the appointment “an important step after last week’s tragic events, which included loss of life, injuries, and damage to property.” It added: “As Nepal’s old friend, we recognize the challenges ahead and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance.”
Overall, the United States, the UK, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other democratic partners appear ready to work with Nepal’s new government, though their priority will be safeguarding the 2015 Constitution, democracy, human rights, and a peaceful transfer of power through elections.
For Prime Minister Karki, gaining the support of major powers such as India, China, the US, and other democratic nations will be crucial to ensuring timely elections, attracting investment, and keeping Nepal’s fragile economy on track. Much, however, will depend on her choice of foreign minister and the diplomatic team she assembles.
