Nepal unrest: Time for India to introspect and act in good faith

Nepal, or rather its political class, has fallen like a pack of cards. For the common Nepalese, life has come full circle after the overthrow of the monarchy in 2006. For those of us who have been watching Nepal from the outside, this is a sombre moment. The promise that a republican democracy ushered in has been shattered by political leaders who neither governed nor retired from public life. They simply occupied the political space, indulging in petty games and machinations to stay in power or unseat others. The Constitution took nine years to finalise, which still remains imperfect, and the country has seen 15 governments in less than 20 years.

For anyone who has visited Nepal in the last few years, a casual conversation was enough to bring out not just the anger but the frustration and helplessness of people at what they were being dished out in the name of multiparty democracy. The signs were there, if only the leaders would care to see. Nepal’s civil society is among the most vibrant in the subcontinent. There has been an exodus of young men and women from Nepal in search of jobs. Investments and economic activity never took off, and the economy could not recover from the shocks of the pandemic and the Ukraine war. Corruption, sleaze and deal-making among a narrow circle of leaders made matters worse. The safety net provided by India through tourist flows to Nepal and open borders and the Indian market have not been able to mitigate the dysfunctionality of the state.

It is for these reasons that no political leader has been spared from the wrath of the young. This is another revolution, and seems the only avenue available for youth to free themselves from the shackles of the old guard. There is no conspiracy here. One small trigger was enough to light the fire. This is an anguished call for help. At this moment of time, the best service major powers such as China and the US can do for Nepal is not to prey on its miseries. This applies specially to China which, in the last few years, has played the most cynical game in Nepal as part of its encirclement strategy of India. It should stay away because it is clear that, like in other subcontinental countries, it is a part and perhaps even source of the problem.

Nepal is back to square one. As is now becoming a common feature in the subcontinent, the Army has emerged as the saviour of last resort. This is a remarkable tale with enormous significance for the evolution of institutions within smaller countries. We have seen that when all else has failed, it is the Indian Army that has come to the rescue by ensuring channels of communication with their counterparts, and with good effect.

The meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Cabinet Committee on Security and his public messaging highlights the criticality of India’s role in the immediate crisis and in the longer run. It is quite possible that the anger in Nepal could turn against India. This has not yet happened, but cannot be ruled out. Oli’s gambit to play the anti-India card has not been strong enough to mask his governance failures. This is time for India to introspect on its role in the subcontinent. The complexity of this role is a reality. Responsibility, magnanimity, patience, forbearance and firmness are part of this. Any crisis in the subcontinent has spillover effects on India.

This is not about India. It is easier to identify what Nepal needs. It is more difficult to provide solutions that will make Nepal better governed, less corrupt, more prosperous and more stable. Democracy can neither be exported nor thrust on any country. What India can do at this point is to act in good faith, and create conditions that enable the people and institutions of Nepal to come on top of the situation and then help them to reconstruct a future they deserve and aspire for. We should hope that from the rubble will rise a new set of leaders. They will require our help and understanding. The political process will not be easy, but then those who were supposed to be masters at it have themselves run the ship aground.

The writer is former deputy national security adviser

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)