India Advises Citizens to Avoid Nepal Amid Protests and Violence

The Indian government has issued a strong advisory for its citizens in Nepal, urging them to postpone travel to the country until the situation becomes stable. The advisory comes in response to the ongoing unrest and anti-government protests in Nepal that have caused widespread disruption, including airport closures and cancelled flights.

Advisory for Indian Citizens in Nepal

The government has specifically asked Indian citizens currently in Nepal to take shelter in their present residences. Citizens are advised to avoid stepping out onto the streets and to exercise caution at all times. The government stressed the importance of following safety instructions issued by local authorities in Nepal, as well as guidance from the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.

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For any assistance, the government has provided dedicated helpline numbers of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu:

• +977 – 980 860 2881

• +977 – 981 032 6134

These numbers are available for Indian citizens who may require help or support during this period of unrest.

Prime Minister Modi Expresses Concern

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss the situation in Nepal. In a social media post, the Prime Minister expressed his deep anguish over the ongoing violence in Nepal, describing it as "heart-rending."

He also expressed concern over the loss of young lives during the unrest. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of stability, peace, and prosperity in Nepal, stressing that a peaceful Nepal is vital for the well-being of its citizens as well as for regional stability. He appealed to the citizens of Nepal to support peace and maintain calm in these challenging times.

Impact on Air Travel

The unrest in Nepal has also affected air travel significantly. Major airlines connecting India to Nepal, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have cancelled their flights to and from Kathmandu amid the current crisis. Nepal Airlines also cancelled its flight from Delhi to Kathmandu.

IndiGo, in a public statement, said that due to the closure of Kathmandu airport, all flights to and from Kathmandu are cancelled until 12:00 PM on September 10. Air India, which operates six flights daily between Delhi and Kathmandu, had to divert or return multiple flights due to safety concerns.

One Air India flight had to return to Delhi after smoke was noticed at the Kathmandu airport during its final approach. Another flight bound for Kathmandu was diverted to Lucknow and later returned to Delhi. These disruptions highlight the severity of the situation and the risks associated with travel to Nepal at this time.

Measures for Safety

The government has advised Indian citizens in Nepal to strictly follow these safety measures:

1. Stay Indoors: Avoid going out on the streets unless absolutely necessary. The streets may be unsafe due to ongoing protests and clashes.

2. Follow Local Advisories: Listen carefully to announcements and instructions from Nepalese authorities and local officials.

3. Contact the Embassy: Keep the embassy helpline numbers handy for any assistance or guidance needed.

4. Monitor Media Updates: Stay updated with news from reliable sources to understand the situation as it evolves.

5. Travel Caution: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas affected by protests or violence.

Regional Implications

The situation in Nepal has wider regional implications. Nepal shares close geographical, cultural, and economic ties with India. Any instability in Nepal not only affects the local population but can also impact trade, travel, and safety for Indian citizens living or visiting the country.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that peace in Nepal is crucial for the prosperity of the nation and for maintaining healthy relations with neighbouring countries. The Indian government’s immediate focus is to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in Nepal.

Airlines Responding to the Crisis

Airlines have been forced to adjust their operations in response to the security situation:

• Air India: Operates six flights daily between Delhi and Kathmandu. Some flights were returned or diverted due to safety concerns.

• IndiGo: Operates one flight daily between Delhi and Kathmandu, cancelled until 12:00 PM on September 10.

• SpiceJet: Cancelled flights due to airport closure and security issues.

• Nepal Airlines: Cancelled its Delhi-Kathmandu flight amid unrest.

Airports in Nepal, especially in the capital city Kathmandu, have temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. This has disrupted both international and domestic travel, leaving travellers stranded or facing delays.

Call for Peace

Prime Minister Modi appealed to Nepalese citizens to work together to restore peace. He stressed that the loss of young lives is tragic and urged all parties involved to focus on dialogue rather than violence. The stability and peace of Nepal are seen as essential not just for the country itself but for the entire region.

How Indian Citizens Can Stay Safe

For Indian citizens planning to travel to Nepal in the near future, the government strongly recommends postponing the trip. Those already in Nepal should remain vigilant, avoid risky areas, and stay connected with the Embassy. Key measures include:

• Keep important documents and identification handy.

• Have emergency contacts saved on mobile phones.

• Stay informed about road closures, protests, or curfews through official sources.

• If staying in hotels, follow all instructions from hotel management regarding safety.

The unrest in Nepal has created a difficult situation for Indian citizens residing or travelling there. The Indian government’s advisory reflects the seriousness of the current circumstances and emphasizes the need for caution and preparedness. Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for peace underscores the importance of stability in Nepal and the shared responsibility of citizens to maintain calm.

Airlines and authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, but travellers are urged to prioritize their safety and follow official guidance. The coming days will be critical in determining how quickly normalcy can return to Nepal. Until then, Indian citizens are advised to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay in close contact with the Indian Embassy for support.