A Quiet Ally: How India Has Backed Nepal When Others Stayed Silent

 When big global powers stayed silent, India quietly stepped in to help. During the recent crisis in Iran, it wasn’t the U.S., China, or European countries that came to the aid of stranded Nepalis — it was India. At Nepal’s request, India included Nepali citizens in its evacuation flights and brought them home safely. India’s action was quick, discreet, and done without fuss — just one of many times it has helped Nepal in times of need.

Yet, despite this, Nepal’s political leaders often stir up anti-India sentiment for their own short-term gain. This attitude, driven by political self-interest, misplaced nationalism, and sometimes encouraged by outsiders, harms Nepal more than it helps. It distracts from real issues and pushes away the one country most capable of supporting Nepal’s growth and stability.

Take the recent events in Iran: when things got dangerous for Nepali workers, Nepal turned to India for help. India’s embassy in Tehran, following orders from New Delhi, expanded its evacuation flights to include Nepali and Sri Lankan nationals. Nepalese officials thanked India publicly, acknowledging that it was India — and not other global powers — that stepped in when needed.

This wasn’t a one-time gesture. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when vaccines were scarce and Nepal’s healthcare system was under immense pressure, India — despite its own crisis — sent one million doses of Covishield to Nepal as a gift. This helped Nepal start its vaccination campaign for frontline workers. And this happened even when relations between the two governments were tense.

What stands out in all these instances is how quietly India offers its support — without making a big deal of it or asking for favors in return. Yet, these genuine acts are often ignored or treated with suspicion by Nepal’s political elite.

In Nepal’s political culture, criticizing India has become a shortcut to looking patriotic. But this is lazy thinking and harmful. It keeps leaders from focusing on real governance and development, and it alienates the very neighbor that can actually help Nepal progress. Yes, there are disagreements — over borders, trade, and diplomacy — but these are small compared to the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties the two countries share.

Another issue is the influence of some Western diplomats and UN officials based in Kathmandu. For many of them, Nepal is a second-choice posting, and their frustrations sometimes come out in subtle ways — like encouraging anti-India attitudes among Nepali politicians. This behavior makes them more popular with local leaders who mistake hostility towards India for true patriotism. The result is a toxic cycle where criticizing India is equated with loving Nepal — a mindset that harms both nations.

A classic example is a widely discussed case of an Indian citizen leading a major UN agency in Nepal. To win favor with Nepali politicians, he constantly criticized India in private, claiming to be neutral as an "international civil servant." When a government official once complained there were “too many Indian experts” in his office, he quickly fired some of his best Indian colleagues — people whose skills Nepal really needed. Later, when that official was replaced, he quietly rehired Indian staff — but with far less talent than those he had dismissed. It was a political show that ultimately hurt Nepal more than anyone else.

Some in Nepal also believe China is a better alternative to India. But recent experiences — like the problems surrounding the Chinese-built Pokhara airport — suggest otherwise. These projects are often plagued by corruption and leave Nepal with expensive, underused infrastructure. Meanwhile, India’s investments, while not perfect, are more rooted in shared growth and practical outcomes.

Nepal now faces a choice. India’s economy is growing fast and is expected to reach $5 trillion soon. This growth offers Nepal huge opportunities for trade, jobs, and investment. Nepal shares language, culture, geography, and deep people-to-people ties with India — advantages no other country can offer. Ignoring these chances could leave Nepal falling further behind its neighbors.

It’s time for Nepal’s leaders to act more maturely. True patriotism isn’t about shouting anti-India slogans. It’s about doing what’s best for the people — building partnerships that benefit Nepal. That means working with India, recognizing acts of genuine support, and not falling for flattery or manipulation by foreign diplomats who have no long-term stake in Nepal’s future.

India’s rescue of Nepalis in Iran is not just a headline — it’s a reminder of who shows up when it really matters. Nepal should remember that — and act on it.