“Elections Are The Only Way Forward”: India Backs Nepal’s Democratic Process

New Delhi: India has expressed strong support for Nepal’s upcoming general elections, underscoring the importance of a democratic mandate to restore political stability in the neighbouring country. The message was conveyed during a high-level meeting in New Delhi between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and former Nepal prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda.
The meeting took place late on January 4 and focused on Nepal’s political transition following months of uncertainty triggered by widespread Gen Z-led protests last year. Those protests ultimately led to the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli government, plunging the country into a period of instability. Against this backdrop, Nepal has announced general elections scheduled for March 5 as a pathway to political resolution.
During the discussions, Doval emphasised that elections are not merely a constitutional formality but a critical necessity to protect Nepal’s democratic system. He conveyed India’s view that a clear electoral mandate is the most effective way to address the current impasse and ensure long-term national stability. The dialogue highlighted New Delhi’s interest in a stable and democratic Nepal, rooted in institutional legitimacy and public consent.
The meeting, hosted by Doval over dinner, served as an opportunity to assess the political situation and reinforce the urgency of moving forward with the announced polls. The emphasis remained on democracy as the cornerstone of governance and the ballot box as the most credible mechanism to resolve political transitions.
Prachanda, who leads the Nepal Communist Party, responded by assuring that there is broad political consensus within Nepal in favour of holding elections. He indicated that major political parties are aligned on the need for polls and are not opposed to the electoral process. He also shared that, prior to his visit to New Delhi, he had engaged in consultations with key domestic stakeholders, including discussions with CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli.
These internal engagements were presented as part of efforts to align political viewpoints at home before engaging with regional partners. Prachanda attended the meeting in New Delhi accompanied by his daughter, Ganga.
The interaction reflects India’s continued diplomatic engagement with Nepal during a sensitive phase, reinforcing its support for democratic continuity and political stability in the region through timely and credible elections.