Political Crisis in Nepal and Its Implications for India

General Studies Paper-2

In News

• Mass protests led by Nepal’s Generation Z erupted prompting widespread violence, including the burning of government buildings and attacks on politicians.

Reasons for Crisis in Nepal

• Gen Z Discontent: Frustration over corruption, the luxurious lifestyles of leaders, lack of accountability, and youth unemployment (above 20%) fueled mass discontent, especially as remittances form a major part of the economy but job prospects in Nepal remain bleak.
• Suppression of Dissent: The government banned 26 major social media platforms, citing regulatory reasons, but this was widely seen as an attempt at censorship. Social media is a main channel of expression for young Nepalis, and its removal triggered immediate nationwide demonstrations.
• Extreme State Response: Protesters faced excessive force—police fired live rounds, rubber bullets, and enforced harsh curfews, resulting in over 20 deaths and hundreds wounded.

Impacts of India’s Troubled Neighborhood

• Security Threats: Instability and the rise of extremist ideologies in neighboring countries directly threaten India’s internal security. The porous border with Nepal, for example, is a concern for the movement of radical groups.
• Diplomatic Challenges: India’s foreign policy bandwidth is often consumed by managing crises in its immediate vicinity, leaving less room to focus on its “extended neighborhood” and its aspiration to be a global power.
• Economic Consequences: Instability can disrupt trade routes and tourism, as seen in the recent Nepal crisis which affected flights and border movements. Additionally, India may face the burden of economic support and humanitarian aid.
• Domestic Political Spillover: Issues from neighboring countries, such as ethnic or communal conflicts, can sometimes influence domestic politics in India, especially in border states with shared populations and cultural ties.