For India, the turmoil next door raises urgent security and humanitarian concerns
India has issued a strong advisory urging its citizens to avoid travel to Nepal, and for those already in the country to remain indoors, as violent youth-led protests continue to rock the Himalayan nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Tuesday cautioning Indians to exercise extreme vigilance and follow safety advisories issued by both local authorities and the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. Helpline numbers have also been set up for stranded nationals: +977-980 860 2881 and +977-981 032 6134 (available on WhatsApp calls as well).
“We are closely monitoring the developments in Nepal and are deeply saddened by the loss of young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased,” the MEA said, extending condolences as the crisis deepened.
With Nepal at a critical juncture, New Delhi’s priority remains safeguarding its citizens while quietly nudging its neighbour toward a peaceful resolution
Gen Z at the Forefront of Nepal’s Deadliest Protests in Years
The unrest spiraled after the KP Sharma Oli government moved to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X. Authorities defended the move as a step toward “regulation,” but for Nepal’s Gen Z, it was seen as an assault on freedom of expression.
Within hours, Kathmandu and several other cities witnessed massive demonstrations. Protesters torched residences of senior politicians, vandalised the parliament complex, and clashed with security forces. The violence left at least 22 dead and more than 350 injured.
Faced with mounting anger, Prime Minister Oli resigned, while several cabinet ministers, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, also stepped down. The government later withdrew its controversial social media ban, instructing agencies to restore access to all blocked platforms.
India Reacts as Chaos Escalates
As curfews took hold across major Nepali cities, India urged all sides to maintain restraint and seek resolution through dialogue. Stressing its “close friendship and neighbourly ties,” New Delhi called for peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the crisis disrupted travel links. Air India cancelled four of its six daily flights between Delhi and Kathmandu, while IndiGo and Nepal Airlines suspended operations altogether after Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu temporarily shut down. “All flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now,” IndiGo announced, offering refunds or rebooking options for affected passengers.
A Turning Point in Nepal’s Politics
The protests have been described as the largest youth-driven movement in Nepal since the democratic uprisings of the past decades. While the immediate trigger was the social media ban, the demonstrations reflect a deeper discontent among young Nepalis over governance, freedom, and political accountability.
