Nepal Political Unrest: Implications for India and the Region

In Goa with Minister of AYUSH Mantralaya, Mr Prataprao Jadhav, on 23rd September at AIIA, Goa, with the Governor and Chief Minister of Goa and also Mr Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State, Ministry of Ayush, in Goa at All India Institute of Ayurveda on the 23rd of September 2025

On 27 September, a special programme titled “Nepal Political Unrest: Implications for India and the Region” was organised by the Antar Rashtriya Sahayog Parishad (ARSP) at Pravasi Bhawan. The programme brought together eminent diplomats, scholars, and policy experts to deliberate on the evolving political situation in Nepal and its implications for India and the wider South Asian region.

The session featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Markandey Rai, noted social thinker and international relations expert; Ambassador Vinod Kumar; Shri Ranjit Rae, Former Ambassador of India to Nepal; and Prof. K. G. Suresh, renowned academician and media scholar. Their insights provided a comprehensive and multi-dimensional perspective on the ongoing political developments in Nepal.

The discussions highlighted the underlying causes of political instability in Nepal, including frequent changes in leadership, internal political fragmentation, governance challenges, and public discontent. Speakers emphasised that these issues have weakened institutional stability and posed challenges to Nepal’s democratic consolidation, impacting both domestic governance and regional engagement.

A significant focus of the programme was Nepal’s strategic importance for India and the region. Given the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between India and Nepal, the speakers noted that political unrest in Nepal carries important implications for India’s security, economic cooperation, border management, and regional connectivity initiatives. The broader geopolitical context of South Asia was also examined, with discussions on how instability in Nepal can influence regional balance, diplomatic relations, and multilateral cooperation.

The session also addressed the socio-economic impact of prolonged political uncertainty in Nepal, particularly its effects on development, employment, and public trust in democratic institutions. Participants underscored that sustained instability risks slowing economic growth and undermining public confidence, which could have long-term consequences for regional peace and prosperity.

In outlining the way forward, the speakers stressed the importance of inclusive political dialogue, institutional reforms, and consensus-building within Nepal. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring accountable governance, and promoting people-centric development were identified as critical steps toward lasting stability. The role of constructive regional engagement, especially through dialogue, diplomacy, and people-to-people cooperation, was highlighted as essential for supporting peace and stability.

The programme concluded with a collective call for enhanced regional cooperation based on mutual respect, democratic values, and shared interests. It reaffirmed the importance of strong India–Nepal relations and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. The session served as an important platform for informed dialogue and policy-oriented discussions on a matter of significant regional importance.