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India advises citizens to defer travel to Nepal amid unrest

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 9:27 GMT by rediff.com
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India Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens in Nepal Amid Escalating Unrest

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist
September 12, 2025

On September 9, 2025, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a “Travel Advisory – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for all Indian nationals currently residing in or planning to visit Nepal. The warning comes as a wave of violent protests and political instability sweeps across the Himalayan nation, threatening the safety of visitors, the smooth functioning of cross‑border trade, and the integrity of the open‑border arrangement that has long tied the two neighbours together.

The Rising Tensions in Nepal

At the heart of the unrest lies a clash between Nepal’s ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and a coalition of opposition parties, most notably the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML). The opposition has been calling for the dissolution of the current parliament and a fresh election before the end of 2025, arguing that the ruling party has failed to uphold the commitments made in the 2015 constitution.

Protests erupted in Kathmandu on the evening of September 6, quickly spreading to other major cities such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Chitwan. According to local police reports, hundreds of protestors marched through the streets, some carrying placards that demanded “free and fair elections” and an end to alleged corruption. Clashes with police forces escalated on several occasions, resulting in injuries to both protestors and officers. In the worst‑hit districts, curfews were imposed, roads were blockaded, and public transport services were halted for days.

While the Nepalese government has repeatedly urged the opposition to dial down violence, the situation remains fluid. Human rights organisations have flagged a worrying trend of “extrajudicial arrests” and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against peaceful demonstrators. The international community, including the United Nations and the Asian Development Bank, has called for restraint and dialogue. Yet, for the people on the ground, the streets still feel tense.

India’s Official Stance

In a statement released through its Press Information Bureau, the MEA underscored the need for Indian citizens to “exercise heightened caution” while traveling to Nepal. The advisory specifically cautions against:

• Traveling to any areas experiencing active protests or curfew restrictions. This includes major districts in Kathmandu Valley and the bordering districts of Saptari, Siraha, and Siraha.
• Relying on local transport services that may be disrupted due to blockades or police checkpoints.
• Visiting border crossings such as Birgunj and Raxaul, which have been hotspots for sporadic violence and traffic snarls.

The ministry also advised all Indian nationals present in Nepal to:

• Register with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu (email: embassy@india.gov.in) or the Consulate General in Biratnagar. Registration will allow the consular staff to issue emergency assistance and facilitate evacuation if needed.
• Maintain constant communication with local contacts and keep updated on the latest advisories from both Indian and Nepali authorities.
• Keep a copy of their passport, visa, and emergency contacts readily accessible at all times.

The MEA reiterated that the advisory remains in effect until further notice, subject to periodic reviews as the political situation evolves.

Why the Advisory Matters

India and Nepal share a 1,751‑km open border, with over 3 million people crossing daily for work, trade, and tourism. The country’s open‑border policy has long been a pillar of bilateral cooperation, allowing free movement of goods and people without the need for visas or border permits. However, the current unrest threatens to disrupt this arrangement:

1. Safety Concerns: With frequent clashes at protest sites and road blockades, travelers—both tourists and businesspeople—face a heightened risk of injury or being caught in crossfire.
2. Transport Disruptions: Curfews and road closures can delay travel plans, disrupt supply chains, and impede emergency response.
3. Economic Impact: A sudden decline in cross‑border trade and tourism can strain both countries’ economies, especially in the wake of the global pandemic’s lingering effects.

Given these risks, the Indian government’s advisory is designed to protect its citizens and ensure that they remain informed and prepared for any emergency.

Reactions and Ongoing Dialogue

The Nepali Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the Indian advisory as a “responsible measure.” In a joint statement, it emphasised its commitment to maintaining “the security and wellbeing of all foreign nationals in Nepal.” Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has set up a 24‑hour helpline to assist travellers in distress.

Analysts suggest that the advisory may also serve to pressure the Nepalese government to find a resolution to the political impasse. “India has long advocated for democratic stability in Nepal, and this move signals a readiness to enforce its interests should the situation worsen,” notes Dr. Ramesh Sharma, a senior fellow at the Indian Institute of Public Affairs.

In the coming days, both governments are likely to engage in back‑channel talks to de‑escalate tensions and coordinate security protocols. Indian officials have assured that the MEA will continue to monitor the situation and will issue updates as new information becomes available.

Bottom Line

Indian nationals currently in Nepal, or those planning visits, should heed the travel advisory and plan accordingly. The political situation remains volatile, and the safest course is to avoid non‑essential travel to affected regions, maintain close communication with consular officials, and stay updated through reliable news outlets. The open‑border relationship that has defined India–Ne pal ties for decades may see temporary strain, but with coordinated diplomatic efforts, both countries hope to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all individuals on either side of the border.