Congress Urges Caution on Nepal, Calls for Lessons for India
Salman Khurshid Urges India to Monitor Nepal Crisis, Show Sympathy, and Learn from Youth, Social Media Dynamics
Amid escalating turmoil in Nepal, the Congress party has called for India to adopt a cautious "wait-and-watch" approach, emphasising the need to absorb lessons from the unrest while expressing deep concern for the neighbouring democracy. Former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid highlighted the intertwined histories and porous borders between the two nations, urging sympathetic monitoring to prevent spillover effects and external interference.
This position reflects India's strategic restraint in regional affairs, potentially influencing diplomatic responses to similar crises in South Asia, where social media-driven protests and generational shifts are reshaping political landscapes.
Khurshid, chairperson of Congress's foreign affairs department, described the situation as painful and unfortunate, noting India's historical support for Nepalese democracy despite political changes. He stressed that Nepal must resolve its issues internally, with democracy offering both the cause of breakdowns and paths to recovery. "We have deep-seated relations; many Nepalese leaders were educated here, and we share family ties," he told PTI.
While limited in direct intervention, Khurshid hoped the Indian government could offer assistance, advocating close, careful observation to safeguard bilateral ties and prevent anti-India sentiments amid the chaos.
In lessons for India, Khurshid pointed to regional learning from neighbours' experiences, particularly in handling generational changes and social media's dual role in modern democracy. "It's the reality we can't wish away—how to respond when things go wrong is crucial," he said, amid global trends of youth-led movements.
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The remarks follow Nepal's severe crisis: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned Tuesday amid "Gen Z" protests against a social media ban, corruption, and elite apathy. Demonstrators stormed buildings and torched Parliament and leaders' homes, causing 19 deaths.
On Wednesday, the Nepal Army imposed nationwide restrictions and a curfew to curb violence, assuming control of security operations. This development underscores the fragility of Himalayan politics, with implications for India's border security and diaspora.
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