Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated K P Sharma Oli on his appointment as Prime Minister of Nepal and said he looked forward to working closely with him to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

Oli, the leader of Nepal's largest communist party, was appointed Nepal's Prime Minister for a fourth term on Sunday to lead a new coalition government that faces the daunting challenge of providing political stability in the Himalayan nation.

Oli, 72, succeeds Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' who lost the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Friday, leading to the formation of the new government as per Article 76 (2) of the Constitution.

Congratulating Oli, Modi said in a social media post,”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.”

The Congress also extended its wishes to Oli and and said every Indian looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the two countries for a brighter future.In a social media post, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “On the behalf of Indian National Congress, we extend our best wishes to Shree K P Sharma Oli, on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal.”

As close neighbours, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and partnership characterised by deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture, he said.

“Every Indian looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of mutual cooperation for a brighter future,” Kharge said.