The Indian government is keeping a close watch on the rapidly escalating crisis in Nepal, where violent youth-led demonstrations against a controversial social media ban have forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and flee the country.

The turmoil began after Oli’s government imposed a ban on platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, sparking widespread anger and violent clashes. What started as protests against the restrictions quickly grew into a larger movement against corruption and governance failures. At least 22 people have died in the unrest, with hundreds injured.

According to senior intelligence sources, Indian agencies are monitoring the situation closely to prevent an anti-India narrative from spreading in Nepal—something they fear could mirror unrest seen earlier in Bangladesh. Officials confirmed that online platforms and communication networks are under strict surveillance to identify and counter any threats to Indian interests.

Security officials in New Delhi are also concerned about the potential ripple effect on India’s youth, warning that student groups, civil society organisations, and political outfits could attempt to exploit Nepal’s crisis to fuel domestic discontent.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory urging Indian citizens in Nepal to remain cautious and follow local safety guidelines. Authorities are also tracking the wellbeing of Indian tourists stranded in the country amid the chaos.

The tipping point came when hundreds of demonstrators stormed Oli’s office earlier this week, demanding accountability. Oli stepped down late Tuesday, handing control of the country to the Army. Shortly after, troops were deployed across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and other key regions, enforcing restrictions to restore order.

In a late-night statement, the Nepali Army accused certain groups of “taking undue advantage of the difficult situation” and inflicting “severe damage to ordinary citizens and public property.”