Brief Context
In News Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first woman Prime Minister. Background Nepal President dissolved Parliament announcing fresh elections for March 5, 2026. This decision followed intense Gen Z-led protests that ousted Prime Minister K.P.
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Syllabus :GS 2/IR
In News
- Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first woman Prime Minister.
Background
- Nepal President dissolved Parliament announcing fresh elections for March 5, 2026.
- This decision followed intense Gen Z-led protests that ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, triggered by corruption, misrule, and a controversial social media ban.
- Chief Justice Sushila Karki’s appointment, backed by protesters, came after extended consultations involving legal experts, political leaders, and the Army.
| Chief Justice Sushila Karki – She is widely respected for her integrity and anti-corruption stance and now leads an interim Cabinet tasked with restoring order, investigating recent violence, and preparing for elections. – India welcomed the new government, expressing hope for peace and continued partnership. |
Brief overview of India-Nepal Relations
- Nepal shares a border with 5 Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- The age-old civilizational and cultural ties that exist between India and Nepal are exemplified by the strong people to people link between both the countries.
- Nepal is a priority partner of India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.
Defence & Security Cooperation:
- India and Nepal have long standing and extensive mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of defence and security.
- Both nation’s armies share excellent and harmonious relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
- India and Nepal also have the long-standing tradition of awarding the Honorary rank of General to each others’ Army Chief.
- The strong relations between both the armies have been further cemented via the Gorkha Regiment.
- Nepal is strategically important as it is located between India and China.
Developmental partnership
- India’s development partnership with Nepal includes extensive human resource cooperation, offering over 1,500 scholarships annually for studies in diverse fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture, and traditional arts.
- Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program encompasses training, consultancy, study tours, and feasibility studies of Nepali professionals.
Economic and Commercial cooperation
- India is Nepal’s largest trade and investment partner, accounting for 33.5% of Nepal’s total FDI (USD 670 million) and 64.1% of its overall trade (USD 8.85 billion in FY 2022–23).
- Nepal ranks as India’s 17th largest export destination, with Indian exports totaling USD 8.015 billion and Nepalese exports to India at USD 839.62 million.
- India receives 67.9% of Nepal’s exports, mainly edible oil, coffee, tea, and jute, while Nepal imports petroleum products, iron and steel, cereals, vehicles, and machinery from India.
- Around 150 Indian ventures operate in Nepal across manufacturing, services, energy, and tourism sectors.
- India imports surplus electricity from Nepal.
People-to-People Ties
- Over 8 million Nepali diaspora in India (workers, students, professionals).
- Religious linkages: Pashupatinath Temple (Nepal), Janakpur (Sita’s birthplace), and Bodh Gaya (India).
Source : TH