KATHMANDU: The interim government formed under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has received support from major world powers. Countries and entities formally expressing support include Japan, India, the United States, China, Bangladesh, and even the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India.

The Gen-Z protest held on September 8–9 focused on the ban on social media, misgovernance, and corruption. After this rare two-day upheaval that toppled the government, support for the new government has been increasing, creating expectations that the interim administration will be able to function smoothly.

President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as interim Prime Minister on September 12, 2025 in accordance with the demands of the Gen-Z movement. Immediately after her appointment, Karki was sworn in and on September 14 assumed office in the provisional Prime Minister’s Office established within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Following her oath-taking, on the same night of September 12, acting on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, the President dissolved the House of Representatives and announced the date for new elections for the House on March 5, 2026.

On September 12, immediately after Karki took the oath and before she had even reached her residence, Japan sent a message of congratulations and best wishes. In the congratulatory message issued by the Japanese Embassy in Nepal, the Japanese government expressed hope that Nepal’s peaceful democratic transition would conclude swiftly. The message from the Japanese Embassy stated: “We welcome the appointment of Mrs. Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister by His Excellency President Ram Chandra Paudel.”

Nepal’s southern neighbor, India, openly welcomed the newly appointed Prime Minister Karki. On September 13, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations and best wishes. Writing on X in Nepali, English, and Hindi, Prime Minister Modi stated: “I warmly congratulate Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. India remains fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of our brothers and sisters in Nepal.”

Amid the change of government in Nepal, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian state of Manipur, where a significant number of the population speaks Nepali. At the ceremony held there, Modi praised the political change in Nepal. Foreign affairs expert Nischalnath Pandey says: “Following the change and formation of a new government in Nepal, India not only congratulated the new Prime Minister, but also attempted to connect with the youth to understand their voices. Prime Minister Modi spoke about Nepal even in Manipur. Many countries around the world have expressed strong support for Nepal’s new government. This confirms that Nepal and the Nepali people are not alone during a crisis.”

On the same day as the oath-taking, September 12, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs had issued a statement welcoming the new government. The statement from India’s Foreign Ministry said: “As a close neighbor, democratic friend, and long-term development partner, India will continue to work with Nepal for the welfare and prosperity of the peoples and countries of both nations.”

Nepal’s northern neighbor, China, has not formally congratulated Prime Minister Karki. However, when a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked about Nepal, China did respond. When asked, “Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has taken oath as interim Prime Minister of Nepal. What is China’s response?” the spokesperson said: “Madam Sushila Karki’s appointment as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister is welcomed by China. China and Nepal share a long-standing friendship. As always, China respects Nepal’s path of independently chosen development. We are ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, exchange in various fields, enhance cooperation, and further advance bilateral relations.”

The world’s leading power, the United States, welcomed the peaceful resolution following the Gen-Z movement in Nepal. In their words, they “welcome the peaceful resolution after last week’s tragic events.” A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal said: “We commend President Ram Chandra Paudel and the young leaders for their commitment to a democratic solution. While we mourn with Nepal during this tragic time, we honor the Nepal Army and Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel for their important role in ensuring a smooth transition and restoring a peaceful civilian government and order.”

The U.S. has expressed readiness to cooperate with the interim government led by Karki in preparations for upcoming elections.

Although India normally does not comment on government or political changes in Nepal, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, responded to this political change. He congratulated Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The letter from the Dalai Lama, dated September 14, was published on his official webpage, dalailama.com.

Nepal’s northern neighbor, China, has not formally congratulated Prime Minister Karki. However, when a spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked about Nepal, China did respond.

In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Karki, the Dalai Lama wrote: “You know that historically, the Nepali and Tibetan peoples have shared a close relationship. I am deeply grateful to the Government and people of Nepal for providing facilities for the rehabilitation of Tibetan refugees who were forced to flee Tibet after 1959. Indeed, though the Tibetan community is comparatively small, I believe it has made a remarkable contribution to Nepal’s economic growth. …I wish you success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Nepalese people during this challenging time. With my prayers and best wishes.”

International affairs scholar and journalist Ajay Bhadra Khanal says that the international community this time openly welcomed and supported the political change in Nepal without hesitation. He says: “Seeing the three major parties of the country continuously engaging in misgovernance, corruption, and attacks on freedom of expression, Nepal’s friendly countries and the international community were frustrated. That is why they have openly welcomed the current change. This has deep and far-reaching significance.”

At the oath-taking ceremony of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, leaders of major political parties, the Speaker, and the Chairperson of the National Assembly did not attend. However, heads of diplomatic missions in Nepal participated in the evening ceremony at Sheetal Niwas despite security challenges. Present at the oath-taking were Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, Chinese Ambassador Chen Song, and U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson, seated together.

Officials from other diplomatic missions and development partner institutions in Nepal were also present. Senior security officials present included Vice President Ramsahay Yadav, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, Army Chief Ashok Raj Shigdel, Police Chief Chandrakuber Khapung, and Armed Police Force Chief Raju Aryal. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also attended. Bhattarai is the only former prime minister to attend the ceremony, and he has been a supporter of the newly appointed Prime Minister Karki.