Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated K P Sharma Oli on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of Nepal, expressing optimism about strengthening the bonds of friendship and expanding cooperation between India and Nepal.
Modi’s message on the social media platform X read: “Congratulations @kpsharmaoli on your appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Look forward to working closely to further strengthen the deep bonds of friendship between our two countries and to further expand our mutually beneficial cooperation for the progress and prosperity of our peoples.”
KP Sharma Oli, the leader of Nepal’s Communist Party (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPI-UML), was sworn in as Prime Minister for the fourth time, leading a coalition government supported by the Nepali Congress party. This coalition is the result of a seven-point agreement to share power with the Nepali Congress party headed by Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also congratulated Oli, emphasizing the unique ties of friendship and partnership between India and Nepal. He posted, “As close neighbours, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and partnership characterized by deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture. Every Indian looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of mutual cooperation for a brighter future.”
Oli’s appointment followed the loss of a trust vote by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in the House of Representatives. Oli secured his position by submitting a letter of support with signatures from 165 members of the 275-member House of Representatives, including 77 from CPI-UML and 88 from the Nepali Congress party. The agreement between the two parties entails sharing the remaining term in Parliament between Oli and Deuba.
KP Sharma Oli’s return to power marks his fourth term as Prime Minister, succeeding Prachanda, who had formed a government in March 2024 after breaking an alliance with the Nepali Congress party and joining hands with CPI-UML. Oli’s leadership is seen by many in India as pro-China, posing a significant challenge in terms of bringing political stability to Nepal, a nation known for its volatile political landscape since the abolition of its monarchy in 2008.
Oli’s coalition government aims to navigate the complexities of Nepal’s political environment, which has been characterized by shifting alliances and loyalties. The collaboration between CPI-UML and the Nepali Congress party under Oli’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring stability and progress for the Himalayan nation.