Answer

Introduction

Nepal’s Gen Z protests, triggered by the social media ban, reflect deeper frustrations with corruption, weak governance, and fading institutional trust. With migration and unrest hollowing its youth, India faces direct consequences. Given shared borders and ties, New Delhi must act with wisdom to ensure stability without straining relations.

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Reasons behind the Nepal protests, particularly among Gen Z

• Social Media Ban as Trigger: The ban on 26 platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and X became the immediate spark, symbolising state unwillingness to listen.
• Erosion of Institutional Trust: Youth perceive Nepal’s political institutions as corrupt and stagnant, focused on patronage rather than governance.
  Eg: The 2015 Constitution, once celebrated, has failed to ensure stability, eroding its legitimacy.
• Economic Stagnation and Unemployment: Lack of jobs and opportunities has created deep frustration among Gen Z.
  Eg: 4,00,000 Nepalis migrate annually, an average of 1,000 leaving every day.
• Leadership Crisis: Frequent power struggles and unstable coalitions undermine governance credibility.
  Eg: The resignation of K. P. Sharma Oli deepened uncertainty instead of resolving instability.
• Generational Aspiration Gap: Gen Z demands systemic transformation with accountability, justice and dignity, unlike older elites focused on tactical politics.

Impact of These Protests on India

• Border Stability Concerns: An unstable Nepal risks exporting volatility across the porous India-Nepal border, affecting internal security.
  Eg: Instability could spill over into Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, which share close social and economic ties with Nepal.
• Migration Pressures: Large-scale youth exodus from Nepal may increase irregular migration into India, straining resources and labour markets.
• Security Risks from State Weakening: If Nepal’s governance weakens further, it could create law and order vacuums exploited by criminal or extremist networks.
• Diplomatic Tightrope: Mishandling the crisis could turn goodwill into resentment, as seen in Bangladesh where anti-India sentiment grew during student protests.
• Geopolitical and Strategic Stakes: Nepal’s instability could open space for external powers like China to expand influence, challenging India’s traditional role.

How India should handle the crisis in Nepal to ensure stability without straining bilateral relations

• Respect Sovereignty with Sensitivity: Avoid heavy-handed diplomacy or overt interference that can fuel anti-India sentiment.
  Eg: Bangladesh protests turned anti-India due to perceptions of overbearing influence.
• Engage Nepal’s Youth Directly: Build trust by investing in educational partnerships, scholarships, cultural exchanges and digital initiatives.
• Support Governance Reform Quietly: Provide discreet assistance in digital infrastructure, cyber regulation and institutional strengthening framed as partnership, not prescription.
  Eg: Assistance in digital infrastructure, cyber regulation and institutional strengthening should be framed as partnership, not prescription.
• Maintain Inclusive Political Channels: Keep ties open with all parties, civil society, and Gen Z voices, avoiding alignment with one faction.
• Exercise Strategic Patience: Trust Nepal’s capacity for course correction, while being a dependable neighbour ready to support stability.

Conclusion

Nepal’s youth unrest and mass migration signal an urgent demand for systemic change. For India, the task is to balance strategic interests with restraint and sensitivity. By fostering trust, respecting sovereignty, and engaging constructively, New Delhi can help ensure Nepal’s future remains stable, democratic, and secure for both nations.

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