Unrest in Nepal Sparks Tighter Security Along Indo-Nepal Border

Patna: India has intensified security measures along the Indo-Nepal border as violent protests and political turmoil sweep across Kathmandu, leaving the neighbouring nation in crisis. Check posts have been torched on the Nepal side, movement has been curbed, and thousands of people are stranded along the frontier.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawans have been deployed in large numbers across sensitive stretches, with joint patrols by local police and security forces keeping a close watch. Araria SP Anjani Kumar has instructed all police stations and border outposts to stay on high alert and report developments promptly to headquarters.

The unrest in Nepal erupted after student-led Gen Z protests against a government-imposed social media ban escalated into a wider movement against corruption and nepotism. On Wednesday, the situation spiraled when Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, and demonstrators torched the Supreme Court, Parliament, and other government buildings.

With civilian institutions overwhelmed, the Nepal Army imposed a nationwide curfew and assumed control of law and order, enforcing prohibitory orders until Thursday morning. Analysts describe the situation as one of the worst political crises in Nepal’s recent history, threatening its reputation as a relatively stable South Asian democracy.

India, which shares close cultural and economic ties with Nepal, is closely monitoring the situation. Bilateral trade between the two nations touched $8.5 billion in FY 2024–25, with India exporting goods worth $7.33 billion and Nepal sending $1.2 billion worth of exports—nearly 16% of its GDP. Petroleum, machinery, medicines, and food items dominate India’s exports, while Nepal primarily sends farm produce, handicrafts, and leather goods.

New Delhi has also been pushing forward several cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at improving roads, railways, and air connectivity. Despite the crisis, India is working to keep trade channels open, ease barriers, and maintain investment flows.

Observers say Nepal’s turmoil comes at a sensitive time for the region, where recent political upheavals in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have already raised alarms. For India, ensuring Nepal’s stability is seen as vital not just for bilateral relations but also for wider regional peace.