As Nepal faces a severe political crisis, marked by widespread protests and the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, India has adopted a cautious approach, emphasizing peace and stability in the neighboring nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for calm, expressing his anguish over the violence and loss of life.

The crisis in Nepal stems from growing public anger against corruption, nepotism, and a perceived disconnect between the political elite and the general population. Triggered by a government ban on social media applications, the protests quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising, led primarily by young Nepalis, or "Gen Z," demanding systemic change. Demonstrators stormed government buildings, torched politicians' homes, and clashed with security forces, resulting in at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries. In response, the government revoked the social media ban and imposed a curfew, but the unrest continued, ultimately leading to Prime Minister Oli's resignation.

India's response to the crisis has been measured, reflecting its strategic interests and historical ties with Nepal. While expressing sorrow over the violence, New Delhi has refrained from direct interference in Nepal's internal affairs, urging dialogue and peaceful resolution of the issues. PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to assess the situation and reiterated India's commitment to Nepal's stability and prosperity.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory to Indian citizens in Nepal, advising them to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes and to remain indoors and exercise caution. Several Indian airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Nepal Airlines and SpiceJet, have cancelled flights to and from Kathmandu in light of the unrest.

India's cautious stance is also influenced by its past experiences in Nepal and the need to balance its interests with the sensitivities of the Nepali people. Some experts suggest that India will have few tears to shed for Oli, not least because of his continued courtship of China. Historically, India has supported the aspirations of the Nepali people, and it is expected to continue doing so. Stability in Nepal is crucial for India, as instability could create opportunities for external elements to exploit the situation.

As Nepal navigates this period of political transition, India's role will be critical in ensuring a peaceful and stable outcome. While maintaining a hands-off approach, New Delhi is likely to closely monitor the situation and offer support for dialogue and reconciliation among the various political actors in Nepal. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of Nepal, and India's measured response reflects its understanding of the complexities involved and its commitment to a stable and prosperous neighborhood.