Nepal has become the third country in India's immediate neighborhood to see a violent uprising topple its government in recent years. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after more than 20 people died in clashes with police during anti-government demonstrations triggered by a social media ban. A nationwide curfew is in place, and the army is attempting to bring the situation under control after protesters stormed parliament and set fire to the homes of several politicians.
For many, the scenes in Kathmandu were reminiscent of the turmoil that gripped Bangladesh last year and Sri Lanka in 2022. Though Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also India's close neighbors in South Asia, Delhi's relationship with Kathmandu is special due to historic people-to-people, economic, and strategic ties. Nepal shares a largely open border of more than 1,750 km with five Indian states; Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Delhi is keenly watching developments across the border, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly reacting to the unfolding events. He expressed sorrow over the violence, stating, 'The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives,' and called for peace among Nepal's citizens.
The unrest also has implications for the large Nepalese diaspora in India, estimated at around 3.5 million. Communities across the border maintain close family ties, with free travel between the two countries under a 1950 treaty. Furthermore, Nepal's strategic location, adjacent to the Western Theatre Command of China, has heightened concerns for India.
As calm returns to Kathmandu, analysts urge that India must navigate carefully in light of widespread anger towards major political parties among the protesters. With Chinese influence increasing, India is acutely aware of the need to engage positively with whatever new leadership emerges in Nepal while also addressing the concerns of young Nepalese disenchanted with the current political landscape. The crisis underscores growing instability in South Asia, where relationships with Bangladesh and Pakistan have also soured. Experts warn that a stable and secure neighborhood is crucial for India's broader ambitions in the region.
For many, the scenes in Kathmandu were reminiscent of the turmoil that gripped Bangladesh last year and Sri Lanka in 2022. Though Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also India's close neighbors in South Asia, Delhi's relationship with Kathmandu is special due to historic people-to-people, economic, and strategic ties. Nepal shares a largely open border of more than 1,750 km with five Indian states; Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Bihar, and West Bengal.
Delhi is keenly watching developments across the border, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly reacting to the unfolding events. He expressed sorrow over the violence, stating, 'The violence in Nepal is heart-rending. I am anguished that many young people have lost their lives,' and called for peace among Nepal's citizens.
The unrest also has implications for the large Nepalese diaspora in India, estimated at around 3.5 million. Communities across the border maintain close family ties, with free travel between the two countries under a 1950 treaty. Furthermore, Nepal's strategic location, adjacent to the Western Theatre Command of China, has heightened concerns for India.
As calm returns to Kathmandu, analysts urge that India must navigate carefully in light of widespread anger towards major political parties among the protesters. With Chinese influence increasing, India is acutely aware of the need to engage positively with whatever new leadership emerges in Nepal while also addressing the concerns of young Nepalese disenchanted with the current political landscape. The crisis underscores growing instability in South Asia, where relationships with Bangladesh and Pakistan have also soured. Experts warn that a stable and secure neighborhood is crucial for India's broader ambitions in the region.
