Ear on ground, eye on young leaders, India ‘closely’ watching Nepal

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since yesterday and are deeply saddened by the loss of many young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish speedy recovery for those who were injured,” the MEA said in a statement.

This was the first statement from the Government on the latest situation in the neighbouring country, issued hours before Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli resigned amid the first largescale protests there in the past two decades that has led to at least 19 protesters being killed allegedly in police firing.

On Tuesday, the Nepalese army was deployed in Kathmandu as the protesters, under the banner of “Gen Z”, attacked senior leaders on the streets in the protests that primarily targeted “rampant corruption”.

“As a close friend and neighbour, we hope that all concerned will exercise restraint and address any issues through peaceful means and dialogue,” the MEA said.

“We have also taken note that authorities have imposed curfew in Kathmandu and several other cities of Nepal. Indian nationals in Nepal are advised to exercise caution and adhere to the steps and guidelines issued by the Nepali authorities,” it said.

In a separate travel advisory issued later, the MEA said, “In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised. Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution. They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.”

In case of any assistance required, the advisory said the Indian Embassy can be reached on “the following helpline numbers: +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134 (WhatsApp call also )”.

Press Release: Advisory for Nepal⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/KWAzgnJaL1 pic.twitter.com/2pBOSYt6oP

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 9, 2025

Before the protests broke out, New Delhi was preparing for a visit this month, possibly on September 16, by Nepal PM Oli — his first since returning to power in July 2024. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Nepal in mid-August to prepare the groundwork for the visit.

But, with the situation changing rapidly within weeks, sources in the establishment said the protests and anger showed Nepal’s political leaders had “lost touch with the youth”, and that the large-scale unemployment and a sense of political entitlement had created “a lot of anger”.

The social media ban by the Nepal government “reeked of arrogance” and the “ultimate self-goal” was the police firing on protesters, killing young people aged between 15 and 30, the sources said. “That was the last nail on the coffin and people came out on the streets and went after the politicians,” the sources said. Some felt the top Nepalese leaders should have apologised and quit earlier to avoid retribution by the public.

On Tuesday, video clips posted on social media purportedly showed Nepal Finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel being chased and attacked on the streets and Foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba being punched on her stomach with her husband, former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, bleeding and in dishevelled clothes.

Sources said most of Nepal’s top politicians were taking shelter in their Army’s barracks. And, at the moment, sources said, Nepal’s army appears to be the guarantor of peace in the country – as is evident from their calls for peace being taken seriously by the protesters. Incidentally, the Indian Army, and military and security establishment, have robust communication channels with their counterparts in Nepal.

Voices within the establishment in Delhi say India would want peace and stability in the Himalayan Republic since it has an open and porous border with thousands of Indians and Nepalese working and living in both countries. They said Delhi is engaged also with the Nepalese Army and the younger crop of political class who “have some legitimacy and support among the youth”.

The sources pointed out that young and nationalist leaders like Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ and Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane are seen as popular among Nepal’s Gen Z. Delhi had been engaging with these leaders who “wear their nationalism on their sleeves”, the sources said.

“It seems the era of old leaders is over… the youth are disillusioned with the old guard, who are seen as corrupt and entitled,” sources said.

At the moment, they said, the thinking in Delhi is that India should support the people’s aspirations — as it did in the past. In the mid-2000s, India had supported the people who had decided to oppose the monarchy and bring in the parliamentary system.

Finally, the sources said, at a time when Beijing is looking at Nepal as a sphere of influence, Delhi would be keen to have a friendly face in power. “So, India would be engaging with the new generation of politicians and leaders among the protesters so that it is not in a disadvantageous situation,” they said.