Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its neighbourhood, Issue: Implications of the Nepal Crisis.
Context:
Gen Z protests erupted in Kathmandu on September 8, 2025, catching the government by surprise. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Interim PM on September 12, 2025, tasked with conducting fresh elections within six months.
Key Highlights:
Background of Political Transition in Nepal:
- 1990 Jan Andolan: Ended Panchayat monarchy, restored multi-party democracy.
- 2006 People’s Movement (Jan Andolan II): Ended monarchy, restored parliament.
- 2008: Nepal declared a republic; abolished 240-year-old monarchy.
- 2015 Constitution: Created federal democratic republic, but intra-party rivalries, corruption, and instability persisted.
- Since 2015, frequent government changes, with musical-chair politics among UML, Nepali Congress, Maoists, and others.
Current Crisis (2025):
- Triggered by youth-led Gen Z protests unemployment, corruption, and lack of accountability.
- Parliament dissolved and elections announced for March 5, 2026.
- Interim government was set up, led by non-political expert panel to restore order.
- The Key challenge lies in whether Gen Z movements can transition into a formal political platform.
India’s Stakes in Nepal:
- Geopolitical: Stability in Nepal critical for India’s security especially open border and China’s influence).
- Economic: India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and energy partner owing to hydropower projects and grid connectivity.
- Social: Strong people-to-people ties across border states such as Bihar, UP, and Sikkim).
Key Challenges for Nepal:
Similar crisis situations in South Asia:
- Sri Lanka: Faced economic collapse leading to political crisis which forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation.
- Bangladesh: Protests forced PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and her fleeing to India.
- Pakistan: Political turbulence with Imran Khan’s arrest and army influence.
- Myanmar: Democracy collapsed in 2021 after military coup.
- Afghanistan: Taliban takeover in 2021.
Way Forward for Nepal:
Electoral & Political Reform:
- Ensure free and fair elections in March 2026.
- Strengthen Election Commission and prevent political capture.
- Encourage youth and civil society participation in mainstream politics.
Institutional Strengthening:
- Safeguard judiciary and constitutional bodies from political influence.
- Maintain civilian supremacy over the military.
Economic Revival:
- Job creation in manufacturing and services to absorb unemployed youth.
- Diversify economy beyond remittances.
Democratic Deepening:
- Promote inclusive governance with stronger accountability mechanisms.
- Encourage coalition politics that reflect federal diversity.
Conclusion:
Nepal stands at a critical juncture: The Gen Z protests reflect deep dissatisfaction with elite-driven politics. For long-term peace, Nepal must move towards inclusive governance, institutional accountability, and economic opportunity.
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