India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a critical travel advisory urging Indian nationals to defer travel to Nepal amid escalating protests that have claimed at least 19 lives and injured over 300, marking the country’s worst unrest in decades. The advisory, prompted by violent demonstrations in Kathmandu and other cities, instructs Indians in Nepal to remain indoors, avoid public areas, and adhere to local safety guidelines and directives from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, which has provided emergency helplines (+977-980 860 2881 and +977-981 032 6134, both WhatsApp-enabled).
The MEA expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives, particularly among Nepal’s youth, and called for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis, emphasizing India’s role as a “close friend and neighbour.”
The protests, led predominantly by Generation Z, erupted following a controversial government ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, which was later revoked after Monday’s deadly clashes. The unrest, fueled by widespread anger over corruption and limited economic opportunities, led to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation on September 9, 2025, after his fourth term since July 2024.
Oli, 73, stepped down to “facilitate a political solution,” as confirmed by an aide to President Ramchandra Paudel, who accepted the resignation. The Nepali Army urged citizens to exercise restraint via posts on X, while two cabinet ministers resigned on moral grounds, and protesters torched politicians’ homes, prompting military evacuations and the closure of Tribhuvan International Airport.
The demonstrations reflect deep-seated frustrations among Nepal’s youth, with protester Robin Sreshtha articulating demands for a corruption-free nation with accessible education and healthcare. Curfews have been reimposed in Kathmandu and other cities, and the government faces mounting pressure to address systemic issues through dialogue. India’s advisory underscores the volatile situation, with the Embassy closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of Indian nationals.
As Nepal navigates this political crisis, discussions to appoint a new leader are underway, signaling a pivotal moment for the nation’s stability and governance.
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