BHU-Educated Sushila Karki On India: ‘Very Impressed With Their Leaders, Modi Ji’ | News18 Exclusive

Last Updated:September 10, 2025, 19:11 IST

Sushila Karki, former Nepal Chief Justice, to lead interim government; shares fond memories of India and Banaras Hindu University with CNN-News18.

Former Nepal Chief Justice Sushila Karki and PM Modi

Former Nepal Chief Justice Sushila Karki, now set to lead the country’s interim government after the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, spoke warmly about her ties to India and her years at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she studied in the 1970s.

The 71-year-old jurist, chosen by Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters to head a transitional administration, told CNN-News18 that she felt humbled by the trust reposed in her by the youth who led the recent wave of demonstrations that toppled KP Sharma Oli.

Read more: ‘Ready For Responsibility’: Sushila Karki After Being Named As Nepal’s Interim Head | News18 Exclusive

“The Gen-Z group trusted me to lead the government for a short period," Sushila Karki said, adding that she was prepared to “work in the national interest."

‘Indians Treat Me As A Sister’

Sushila Karki, who described herself as a friend of India, said her years at BHU in Varanasi, where she completed her master’s degree in political science in 1975, left a lasting impression.

“I am very much impressed with Indian leaders… Indian friends treat me as a sister," she told CNN-News18, adding, “Main Modi ji ko namaskar karti hoon. I have a good impression of Modi ji."

Recalling her university years, she said, “I studied in BHU… I have many friends in India. I still remember my teachers in BHU. The relationship with India is very good and it goes back many years. India has helped Nepal a lot. Indians always wish well for Nepal."

Who Is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki made history in 2016 when she became Nepal’s first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Known for her fearless judgments and zero tolerance for corruption, she presided over landmark cases, including the jailing of a sitting minister for graft. Her tenure also brought her into sharp conflict with the political establishment, culminating in an impeachment motion against her in 2017, widely seen as retaliation for her independence. Before reaching the top of the judiciary, she had built a long career as an advocate and later as a justice, rising through the ranks since the late 1970s.

News world BHU-Educated Sushila Karki On India: ‘Very Impressed With Their Leaders, Modi Ji’ | News18 Exclusive

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