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The Madhesi Commission and the National Women Commission have submitted their annual report for the fiscal year 2024/25 to President Ram Chandra Paudel on Thursday.

The two commissions presented their reports to the President in accordance with Article 294 of the Constitution of Nepal, at separate programs held at the President's office, according to a statement issued here today by spokesperson Pradeep Kumar Koirala.

The acting chairperson of the Madhesi Commission, Jeevachha Saha, and the chairperson of the National Women Commission, Kamala Parajuli, presented their respective commissions' reports.

Six office-bearers of the Janamat Party including senior Vice Chair Abdul Khan have resigned en masse, citing their demand for the leadership transformation remains unmet. 

Party central spokesperson Dr Sharad Singh Yadav, central coordinator Kumar Yadav, CK Singh, senior province in-charge (Sudurpaschim) Rajaram Chaudhary and central member Bikram Bahadur Bam are those who resigned collectively along with Khan. 

On Wednesday, the group had issued an ultimatum demanding the voluntary resignation of party Chair Dr Chandra Kant Raut and Dr Jaya Kant Raut from the Organizao Department within 24 hours.

According to spokesperson Yadav, the resigning leaders have not only stepped down from their respective positions but have also relinquished their general membership in the party.

In their resignation letter, the leaders stated that, given the country’s worsening political situation and the public sentiments, they had urged a change in leadership. However, the party leadership allegedly ignored their demands and, instead, responded arrogantly through the party's official social site page. 

The leaders further accused the party leadership of insulting the sacrifices made by the Gen Z groups in pursuit of political transformation in the country.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday.

During the conversation between the heads of government of the two close neighbors, matters relating to Nepal-India relations, issues of bilateral interest, and mutual concerns were discussed, it has been said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Karki extended best wishes to her Indian counterpart on the occasion of his 75th birthday. She also recalled the centuries-old friendly relations between Nepal and India and briefed Prime Minister Modi on the latest political developments in Nepal.

In response, the Indian Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Karki on her appointment to the post of Prime Minister of Nepal and pledged the continued support of India to Nepal as a good neighbor in the days to come, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Indian Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of life during the recent protests in Nepal. 

Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s readiness to continue working closely to further strengthen the special ties between the two countries and India’s full support to Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability, and for the progress of the people of Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi also extended felicitations on the occasion of the upcoming National Day of Nepal.

The leaders agreed to remain in touch.

With the formation of an interim government led by Sushila Karki, tasked with holding elections, debates have emerged over how major powers perceive this development and what direction the new government’s foreign policy may take.

In the aftermath of the Sept 8–9 GenZ uprisings, India swiftly adjusted to the new political reality, expressing its readiness to work with Karki’s administration. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastav was the first foreign envoy to meet Karki and discuss bilateral relations. Soon after Karki was sworn in, India welcomed the new leadership, expressing hope that it would contribute to peace and stability.

“As a close neighbour, 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,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The following day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki on X, signaling India’s keenness to support the new government in organizing elections within six months. Speaking in Manipur, Modi also praised Nepali youth, an act of public diplomacy aimed at the Nepali people.

Karki, for her part, has extended positive gestures toward India even before assuming office. In an interview with Indian television, she said: “First, I will say Namaskaar to Modi Ji. I have a good impression of Modi.” Such remarks suggest New Delhi is likely to invite her for an official visit, an opportunity it denied KP Sharma Oli for over a year.

On Thursday, Modi held a telephone conversation with Karki and reaffirmed India’s support for peace and stability. “Had a warm conversation with Mrs. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. Conveyed heartfelt condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability, Also, I extended warm greetings to her and the people of Nepal on their National Day tomorrow,” Modi posted on X.

Prime Minister Karki conveyed to Modi that election will remain topmost priority of the government, with strong determination for accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance, reflecting the aspiration of the youth.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Karki also expressed that the historical and close relationship between Nepal and India will continue to be strengthened by multifaceted people to people ties.

By contrast, Beijing has responded more cautiously. Following Karki’s appointment, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson offered a routine response to a media query, reaffirming that China “respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal” and stands ready to advance cooperation under the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song called on Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday to extend a congratulatory message. 

“Great Pleasure to call on Rt. Hon. PM Madam, Sushila Karki, and extend our warm congratulations and support. We exchanged views and agreed to further promote our friendship and cooperations,” Ambassador Chen posted on X. 

Navigating Nepal’s evolving politics could be challenging for China. Its engagement strategy has long centered on a small, left-leaning political elite. Over the past decade, this approach brought Beijing significant advantages—most notably under KP Sharma Oli, who signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework and attended China’s Victory Day parade. However, with the current cabinet expected to draw from diverse groups, China may find it harder to safeguard its interests in Kathmandu.

In a BBC interview, Karki reassured that relations with China would remain unchanged. Yet, an unusual congratulatory message from the Dalai Lama may have unsettled Beijing, given his silence toward previous Nepali prime ministers. China is likely to urge Nepal to ensure the participation of all political forces in the broader process.

For Western powers, the change of government is acceptable as long as Nepal’s constitution, which enshrined federalism, republicanism, inclusion, and secularism, remains protected. Their concerns continue to center on endemic corruption, persistent political instability, and the growing influence of China in Nepali politics. From their perspective, Karki’s leadership offers continuity, provided that democratic values, human rights, and constitutional safeguards are upheld. Support from the West, along with partners such as Japan and Australia, is likely to hinge on these commitments.

As for foreign policy orientation, the interim government is unlikely to make any major departures. Its priorities will largely depend on the composition of the cabinet, but its mandate is limited to conducting elections. Being a caretaker administration with a narrow scope of mandate, it cannot enter into significant agreements with powerful countries.