In recent times, Nepal has witnessed significant unrest and violent protests, resulting in the tragic loss of between 19-22 lives and leaving many injured. Spearheaded by Nepal’s Gen-Z youth, these protests have drawn the vigilant attention of the Indian government and its intelligence agencies. They seek to avert the formation of an anti-India climate in Nepal, reminiscent of recent developments in Bangladesh.
What's Happening in Nepal?
Massive movements have erupted in Kathmandu and other cities, initiated by Nepal’s Gen-Z. Initially triggered by the ban on 26 social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and X, people voiced their frustration against corruption and economic woes. Although initially peaceful, these protests soon turned violent, with demonstrators storming through police barricades and setting key governmental buildings such as the Parliament and Supreme Court ablaze.
Read More:
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, amidst claims of corruption and authoritarianism by the protesters. The unrest has left 19 to 22 people dead and hundreds wounded. Indefinite curfews are enforced across cities, including Kathmandu, even after the social media ban was lifted, with protests showing no sign of abating.
India's Concerns and Intelligence Vigilance
With a 1,751-kilometer open border between India and Nepal, the ongoing unrest is a matter of significant concern for India. Agencies such as RAW and the Intelligence Bureau are monitoring the situation closely. According to sources from India Today, efforts are underway to prevent the rise of anti-India sentiments in Nepal, akin to recent reactions in Bangladesh.
Source: aajtak
These agencies monitor online platforms vigilantly to detect any anti-India propaganda or activities. There's a fear that the unrest in Nepal might inspire similar movements among India's youth, especially students and civil society.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and local police maintain strict surveillance at the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar borders, utilizing advanced technologies like drones, facial recognition systems, and automatic number plate readers.
Indian Government and Ministry of External Affairs Response
The Indian government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life in Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the violence and loss of life among Nepal's youth as deeply saddening. He emphasized the importance of peace and order in Nepal and urged for calm and cooperation.
Read More:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory for Indian citizens, advising them to defer travel to Nepal and for those already there to remain indoors. The Indian embassy has also provided helplines: +977-9808602881 and +977-9810326134.
Due to the closure of Kathmandu’s airport, several Indian tourists are stranded. Airlines like Air India and Indigo have canceled flights between Delhi and Kathmandu. The Karnataka government has initiated efforts to safely evacuate its 39 citizens. The MEA stated that India hopes for peace and resolution through dialogue in Nepal as a close friend and neighbor.
Source: aajtak
Concerns for India
The tensions in Nepal resonate gravely for India due to several factors.
Firstly, the open border between the two countries poses a risk of increasing illicit activities, including arms smuggling and potential terrorism. In July 2025, Nepal warned India about the possibility of extremist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad leveraging this border.
Secondly, the threat of anti-India sentiments flaring up, similar to Bangladesh, raises concerns. Indian intelligence is working diligently to prevent external forces, such as Pakistan or China, from exploiting these protests.
Within India, opposition parties, student unions, and civil society groups might find inspiration in these events. Intelligence agencies are vigilantly monitoring these factions to prevent unrest within India. Reports of Hindu-Muslim tensions during a Ganesh immersion in Janakpur described on August 31, 2025, have raised additional alarms.
Read More:
India's Precautions
The Indian government and intelligence bodies remain highly vigilant regarding the situation in Nepal. Enhanced patrolling has been undertaken in border areas like Balrampur and Bahraich. Surveillance through drones and CCTV is in full force. India is keen to ensure the unrest in Nepal does not compromise its own security and stability.
Despite previous instances of anti-India sentiments in Nepal, several unverified posts on X claimed Indian families and businesses were targeted, which remain unfounded. The Indian government reassures its solidarity with the Nepali people, aiming for a prompt restoration of peace.
