Key Points

The Indian Embassy has urgently advised all nationals to postpone travel to Nepal due to escalating violence from youth-led protests. Emergency contact numbers have been provided for those requiring immediate assistance in the country. Major airlines including IndiGo have suspended all flights to Kathmandu following airport closures amid the unrest. The protests have resulted in significant casualties with at least 19 deaths reported from clashes around government buildings.

Key Points: India Advises Nationals Defer Nepal Travel Amid Gen Z Protests

  • Embassy provides emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals in Nepal
  • IndiGo suspends all flights to Kathmandu due to airport closure
  • Protests demand government accountability over corruption and nepotism
  • Social media ban imposed by Nepal government fuels public anger
4 min read

Indian Embassy advises its nationals to defer travel to Nepal amid Gen Z protests

Indian Embassy issues travel advisory for Nepal as Gen Z protests turn violent with 19 deaths. Emergency contacts provided for stranded citizens amid airport closures.

"Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised - Ministry of External Affairs"

Kathmandu, September 9

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued an advisory for all Indian nationals in Nepal to "defer travel" there until the situation has stabilised.

The India embassy also provides emergency contact numbers for those facing any urgent situation or requiring assistance.

https://x.com/indiainnepal/status/1965354316690300946?s=46

Sharing a post on X, the India Embassy wrote, "All Indian nationals in Nepal are hereby requested to note the following telephone numbers from the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, for contact, in case they are facing any emergency situation or require assistance: +977 - 980 860 2881, +977 - 981 032 6134."

Further, the Ministry of External Affairs advised nationals to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution.

"In view of the developing situation in Nepal, Indian citizens are advised to defer travel there until the situation has stabilised. Indian citizens presently in Nepal are advised to shelter in their current places of residence, avoid going out onto the streets and exercise all due caution," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"They are also advised to follow local safety advisories from the Nepal authorities as well as the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In case of any assistance required, please call the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, on the following helpline numbers: +977 - 980 860 2881 ( WhatsApp call also) +977 - 981 032 6134 ( WhatsApp call also )," the ministry added.

https://x.com/IndiGo6E/status/1965353676312072522

IndiGo also issued an advisory, saying that the airline has suspended all flights to and from Kathmandu following the closure of the airport due to the prevailing situation in the Nepali capital.

"In view of the prevailing situation in #Kathmandu, the airport has been closed for operations. Consequently, all flights to and from Kathmandu stand suspended as of now. If your travel is impacted, you may conveniently opt for an alternate flight or claim a refund by visiting our website," the post said.

"We are closely monitoring the developments and coordinating with local authorities to resume operations at the earliest. Customers are advised to keep checking our official channels for the latest advisories and updates. We look forward to the restoration of normal operations and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding," the post added.

The advisory comes amid unprecedented protests led by Gen Z youths, who have been demanding accountability over corruption, government restrictions, and alleged police misconduct. Over the past two days, these demonstrations have escalated sharply, resulting in at least 19 deaths and more than 500 injuries in clashes around the Federal Parliament and other parts of Kathmandu.

Nepal's Gen Z protest is a widespread movement led by young people, primarily students, to demand accountability and transparency from the government.

The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

Protesters are demanding an end to institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes. The protesters are also demanding the revocation of the ban on social media platforms, which they see as an attempt to suppress free speech.

A curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation. The government imposed a ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing concerns over misinformation and the need for regulatory compliance. Citizens saw this as an attack on free speech and a way to suppress dissent.

The "Nepo Babies" trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens. This fueled public frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality.

Nepal's ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country every day to seek work abroad, has added to the unrest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My cousin was supposed to go to Kathmandu tomorrow for business. Thankfully this advisory came on time. The Nepali youth are fighting for legitimate reasons but safety comes first for travelers.
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Anjali F
The Nepali youth are showing incredible courage! Fighting against corruption and for transparency is something we Indians understand well. Hope they get justice without more bloodshed.
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Vikram M
Smart move by IndiGo to suspend flights. Airport closures during protests can be chaotic. Better to be safe than sorry. The emergency numbers provided by embassy are helpful for those already there.
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Sarah B
While the advisory is necessary, I hope our government also offers support to Nepal in resolving this crisis peacefully. We share deep cultural and historical ties with our neighbor.
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Rahul R
This is really sad. Nepal is such a beautiful country and the people are so warm. Hope the government there listens to the youth instead of suppressing them. Social media bans never work!

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