South Asia has once again been thrust into the global spotlight as a region of turmoil, instability and regime change. In just a few years, almost every one of India’s neighbours has seen its political leadership toppled by a mix of street protests, violent uprisings and foreign interference. The latest to fall is Nepal, where Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid unprecedented youth-led protests, plunging the Himalayan nation into anarchy.

What is happening in Nepal is deeply concerning, not just for Nepal itself but also for India and the wider region. Yet, in stark contrast, India continues to stand tall as an island of stability, governed by a popular leader who commands widespread support and a robust democratic framework. This divergence between India and its neighbours reveals a deeper truth about South Asia’s political fault lines, external meddling and the resilience of Indian democracy.

On 9 September 2025, Nepal witnessed an extraordinary political upheaval. What began as peaceful demonstrations against corruption and government incompetence spiralled into a violent movement after the Oli government imposed a social media ban, cutting off platforms like Facebook and TikTok that young protesters used to mobilise.

The crackdown backfired spectacularly. Thousands of Gen-Z Nepalis poured into the streets, culminating in one of the deadliest protests in recent Nepali history, with at least 19 young protesters killed in police firing. The backlash was swift and furious. The Bhaktapur residence of KP Sharma Oli was torched by enraged mobs, while the homes of former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda" and Sher Bahadur Deuba were vandalised. Three sitting ministers resigned amid growing pressure. Even the residence of Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba was stormed, and both she and Sher Bahadur Deuba were physically assaulted by the mob.

By the next day, Kathmandu resembled a war zone. Government buildings, including the Hilton Hotel housing Parliament, were set ablaze, and protesters forced their way into Singha Darbar, Nepal’s central administrative complex. Perhaps most disturbing was the attempt by hooligans to storm the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. The Nepalese Army was forced to intervene to protect the temple from desecration.

Adding to the tragedy, the wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal succumbed to burn injuries after protesters set their home on fire. As chaos........

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