India Issues Travel Advisory as Nepal Plunges into Unrest

Nepal has been gripped by violent protests that have disrupted daily life, forced the closure of its main international airport, and claimed several lives. The unrest, largely driven by Gen Z demonstrators opposing a sweeping ban on social media platforms, has spiraled into a major political and security crisis. With chaos unfolding across Kathmandu and other cities, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stepped in to safeguard its citizens, urging them to remain indoors and to postpone all non-essential travel to Nepal.

A fire burns as demonstrators gather on a road during a protest to condemn the police's deadly crackdown on demonstrators in Kathmandu. (AFP photo) | News18

Safety Advisory for Indian Nationals

The MEA has asked Indians already in Nepal to shelter in their residences, avoid public gatherings, and strictly follow the instructions of both Nepalese authorities and the Indian Embassy. To provide direct support, the embassy in Kathmandu has also set up emergency helplines, accessible through WhatsApp, to assist nationals caught in the unrest. These measures underline India’s growing concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation next door, where the possibility of further escalation remains high.

Violence and Political Fallout

The protests, which began as a youth-driven outcry against restrictions on online freedom, quickly turned deadly. At least 19 people have lost their lives in clashes with security forces, while scores of others have been injured. The situation intensified further when violent mobs torched property, including the residence of a political leader’s family member, sparking nationwide outrage. Under immense pressure, Nepalese Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation, calling for peace and dialogue, but the power vacuum has only deepened uncertainty.

Impact on Travel and Connectivity

The turmoil has severely disrupted mobility within Nepal. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the country’s main air gateway, was forced to close after fires broke out in the surrounding areas. Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have suspended services, while several flights were diverted to nearby Indian cities such as Lucknow. These disruptions have left many passengers stranded, further straining cross-border connectivity. On the ground, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has tightened security along the India–Nepal border, with some checkpoints temporarily sealed to prevent spillover violence.

India’s Call for Restraint

New Delhi has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of young lives in Nepal and reiterated its hope that the crisis can be resolved through peaceful and constitutional means. By stressing the importance of dialogue, India has signaled its readiness to support a return to stability while keeping a close watch on developments. The advisory issued by the MEA highlights not only the seriousness of the immediate threat to Indian citizens but also the broader diplomatic stakes in ensuring that instability in Nepal does not adversely affect the region.

The MGMM Outlook

The ongoing unrest in Nepal reflects the volatility of a nation where democratic aspirations clash with heavy-handed state decisions. The youth-driven protests against the social media ban have escalated into a national crisis, costing lives and destabilizing the political landscape. Prime Minister Oli’s resignation has only deepened the uncertainty, leaving Nepal at a dangerous crossroads. For India, this turmoil is not just a neighboring issue but a regional security concern. The closure of Tribhuvan International Airport, suspension of major flights, and sealing of parts of the border have already disrupted connectivity and raised humanitarian challenges, directly affecting Indian travelers and citizens in Nepal.

From India’s perspective, the unrest highlights the fragile nature of governance in Nepal and the urgent need for peace through dialogue rather than violence. The Ministry of External Affairs’ advisory urging Indians to stay indoors and avoid travel underscores both precautionary necessity and strategic foresight. While India has expressed sorrow for the young lives lost, its greater concern is ensuring that instability in Nepal does not spill over into the region. The unrest is a reminder that political missteps in Kathmandu have repercussions that reverberate across South Asia, testing not only Nepal’s internal resilience but also India’s diplomatic and security balancing in the Himalayan neighborhood.

(Sources: News18, Hindustan Times, The News Indian Express)