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With nominations now complete for both the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR) categories, the prospects of holding the House of Representatives elections for March 5 have improved significantly. 

President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki have maintained a firm, non-negotiable stance in favor of the polls. Political parties across the spectrum have participated actively, showing organizational readiness and enthusiasm. Except for a fringe group under businessman Durga Prasai, no major force seems capable of disrupting the electoral process at this moment. Earlier, divisions within the Nepali Congress (NC) had raised doubts about whether the elections would take place on time. Those concerns have now largely subsided, clearing the way for the polls. 

The elections are widely seen as essential for restoring political normalcy by fully activating the constitution. Yet, security remains a concern. Morale within the Nepal Police is reportedly low, which could complicate campaigning and voting. The Nepali Army has already been deployed, signaling the state’s commitment to holding the elections as planned. The primary security concern comes from potential clashes between established and emerging parties. A minor clash in the Jhapa-5 constituency on nomination filing day serves as an early warning.

Why the vote matters

The March 5 elections are crucial for the country. First, the lower house election will formally transfer governing authority to a legitimate parliamentary body, restoring democratic credibility. The current unelected government will be replaced by one chosen by the people. Second, the polls will also address constitutional breaches and ambiguities that emerged after the Sept 8-9 unrest through a renewed popular mandate. Third, the elections will reduce the risk of a deepening constitutional crisis by re-establishing fully functional state institutions. 

Furthermore, the elections are expected to safeguard the current constitution and political system. Newer forces, like the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and leaders such as Balen Shah—whose earlier positions on the political system were ambiguous—have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to republicanism and secularism. This has eased fears of a rollback of the post-2008 political order. Major parties are also making visible efforts to bring fresh faces into Parliament. While limited, this reflects growing public dissatisfaction with entrenched elites. 

Failure to hold elections on schedule will seriously undermine the legitimacy of both the president and the prime minister, potentially plunging the country into renewed political conflict.

Will it bring stability and reform?

Despite these positive aspects, a critical question remains: will the elections bring political stability? The answer is far from reassuring. Current realities suggest that no single party is likely to win a clear majority. Major parties—including the NC, CPN-UML, the Nepali Communist Party, and the RSP—have fielded candidates in nearly all constituencies. Under the PR system, the balance of power among these parties is also expected to remain largely unchanged.

This points to a hung parliament. A stable majority government appears unlikely in the present context, making fragile coalitions almost inevitable. Coalition politics will dominate governance once again, limiting the government’s ability to pursue bold or long-term reforms. Sweeping changes, especially institutional and constitutional reforms, are unlikely to materialize. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds parliamentary majority—a threshold nearly impossible under current conditions. Historically, even powerful parties such as the NC and UML have shown little appetite for serious reform. 

Corruption and governance reforms will also be difficult to pursue. A hung parliament will likely become a battleground for party politics, with indecision and obstruction dominating parliamentary work.

Foreign policy post-vote

Political fragmentation will affect Nepal’s foreign policy. Instability creates space for foreign influence. Managing balanced and cordial relations with major powers will be more difficult, as old and new parties bring divergent, and at times contradicting, worldviews. Even when Parliament was dominated by three major parties, building a unified foreign policy had proved difficult. A more fragmented legislature will make consensus even harder. Differences on issues like the MCC of the US and BRI of China are already apparent.

Some traditional political parties have accused newer parties of being backed by foreign interests, particularly regarding the Sept 8-9 protest. Nepal’s engagement with major powers has slowed since the GenZ unrest. Meanwhile, major powers are waiting for a new government before adjusting their strategies. Managing the competing interests of major powers will be especially challenging for a coalition government. China seems to favor traditional, particularly communist, parties. New Delhi is open to working with any government. Western countries appear more supportive of newer parties. Conflicting agendas among these powers will place additional pressure on a coalition government. 

Conclusion

The March 5 elections are necessary and constitutionally indispensable. They offer a chance to restore democratic processes, correct past deviations, and prevent a constitutional crisis. However, while the elections may restore procedural normalcy, they are unlikely to bring political stability or transformative change. A fragmented mandate, coalition politics, and external pressures will continue shaping Nepal’s trajectory long after the vote. 

Elections, therefore, should be seen not as a solution, but as the start of another challenging phase in Nepal’s ongoing democratic transition.

Introduction

India’s relations with countries of the Global South have deep roots in shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for development and self-reliance. Over the years India’s role has evolved from being a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to becoming a pivotal player in contemporary South-South cooperation. 

India’s partnership with the Global South was propelled to a new level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he organized the first Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13th January, 2023 within a few weeks of India taking over the Presidency of the G20. This Summit was followed by another later during the year and a third one in 2024. 

In addition to articulating the interests, priorities and aspirations of the Global South through several VOGSSs and raising these issues at all relevant fora, India also ‘’Walks the Talk’’ and extends all possible assistance to countries of the Global South. 

Background

India’s role within the Global South is pivotal, leveraging its growing economic power, democratic framework, and strategic geopolitical positioning to advocate for equitable global governance. 

India’s development assistance programs to members of the Global South underscore its role as a partner in progress. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India has provided training, capacity building, and technical assistance to over 160 countries. This program covers a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and information technology, thereby contributing to human resource development in the Global South.

The Policy of ‘’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’’ (The World is One Family)

The spirit of ‘’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’’ has served as the guiding philosophy of India’s foreign policy for the last more than a decade. This policy witnessed its fullest expression during India’s Chairmanship of the G20 in 2023 when it adopted the motto of ‘’One Earth, One Family, One Future’’ for its Presidency, and made sure that all decisions emanating from the deliberations fully reflected this commitment. 

Current Status

In recent years, India’s "Global South" partnership has matured into a core pillar of its foreign policy. One of the most consequential achievements of India in its G20 Presidency was the inclusion of African Union, a body comprising 54 African countries, as a full-fledged member of the G20. This issue had been hanging fire for many years and it fell to India, with its commitment to the interests of the Global South, to bring it to fruition by evolving the requisite consensus on this important subject.

India has been able to significantly enhance its engagement with the Global South because its economy has grown significantly in recent years. When PM Modi assumed power in 2014, India’s economy was the 10th largest in the world. Today it is the 4th largest with prognosis to emerge as the third largest by 2027. Today India is the fastest growing major economy with its GDP growth registering an impressive 8.2% in the last quarter. India is expected to grow from a US$4 trillion economy today to more than US$10 trillion by 2035. 

India’s increased economic strength has inter alia enhanced its capacity to play a much more active role in global affairs and lend a helping hand in times of need to those in difficulty. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India supplied medicines and vaccines, most of them gratis, to several partners, particularly from the Global South. India provided medicines to more than 150 countries, and more than 300 million vaccine doses under its Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship) initiative to more than 100 countries. Because of its economic heft, India could come to the assistance of Sri Lanka to the tune of US$4.5 billion when the latter’s coffers were empty in 2022 and to the support of Afghanistan, Maldives etc. with financial support, food supplies and medicines when these countries had their backs to the wall. This has also enabled India to emerge as the First Responder in times of need and when calamities like earthquakes, floods etc. have struck in its neighbourhood and beyond.

Key Pillars of Engagement

India’s "Global South Partnership" today is defined by four distinct areas of cooperation:

A. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) & "The India Stack"

India has moved from domestic achievements to global outreach.

● Fintech Diplomacy: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is now operational or in pilot stages across several Global South nations, including Namibia, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.

● Social Impact Fund: India’s $25 million commitment to a Social Impact Fund helps smaller nations build their own digital identity (Aadhaar-like) and payment systems to promote financial inclusion.

B. Health & Pharmaceutical Leadership

Reaffirming its title as the "Pharmacy of the World," India has evolved from providing medicines and vaccines in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic to building Health Resilience.

● Generic Medicines: Providing affordable, high-quality generic drugs to nations in Africa and the Caribbean.

● Regulatory Capacity: India is now actively training drug regulators in Global South countries to help them establish their own pharmaceutical safety standards.

C. The Global Development Compact

Proposed by Prime Minister Modi in late 2024, this compact focuses on:

● Trade for Development: Reducing barriers for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

● Concessional Finance: Offering project-specific grants rather than the "debt-trap" loans often associated with some other major powers.

D. Climate Justice  & Energy Transition

India champions the principle of "Common but Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR).

● International Solar Alliance (ISA): With 121 member countries, many of which are from the Global South, the ISA underscores India’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting renewable energy.

● Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): India encourages a shift toward sustainable consumption, a narrative that resonates with developing nations that are not the primary cause of climate change but have to endure its worst effects.

Conclusion 

India’s geopolitical dynamics with the Global South have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting its growing economic power, strategic interests, and aspirations to be a major player on the global stage. India’s proactive engagement with the Global South underscores its commitment to a multipolar world where developing nations have a significant voice in global affairs. Through sustained efforts in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships, India is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolving dynamics of the Global South.

As both a leader and a partner, India continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Global South. Through sustained cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations, India and the Global South can collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

As the so-called wave of revolutions has swept across South Asia, it is now set to culminate in elections in Bangladesh and Nepal. In Nepal, the interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has proceeded without delay in conducting elections. The country’s politics have remained in flux since the last polls, marked by shifting coalitions and Gen Z–led anti-corruption protests that culminated in the dissolution of Parliament in September 2025. As Nepal’s 30 million citizens prepare to vote amid a fragmented field of 125 parties and more than 2,500 candidates, neighbouring India is watching closely. The outcome carries significant implications for India’s interests—from the reliability of governance and Kathmandu’s foreign policy orientation to regional stability and the future of bilateral cooperation.

While Nepal’s traditional parties retain strong cadre bases, a powerful youth wave has emerged, one that every party is now trying to capture. This churn has produced internal upheavals across the three major parties: the Nepali Congress (NC), the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). Within the Nepali Congress, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma led a high-profile revolt against the ageing leadership of Sher Bahadur Deuba. This culminated in a January 2026 “Special General Convention,” where Thapa was elected party president, effectively ending Deuba’s decades-long tenure after the Election Commission recognized Thapa’s reformist faction as the legitimate party leadership.

In the CPN-UML, Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokharel, backed significantly by former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, mounted a direct challenge to KP Sharma Oli during the party’s December 2025 general convention. Pokharel and his supporters criticized Oli’s handling of the GenZ protests and his refusal to step down as prime minister until forced by the uprising. Despite this, Oli retained the party chairmanship by a wide margin.

Meanwhile, the CPN (Maoist Centre) faced a similar crisis. Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma openly demanded that Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ resign and take responsibility for the party’s declining credibility and its growing disconnect from youth aspirations. Although Sharma eventually quit to launch his own Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, his dissent accelerated the Maoists’ merger into the broader Nepali Communist Party (NCP) in November 2025. Formally established on 5 Nov 2025, the NCP is a broad alliance of ten leftist factions seeking to consolidate influence ahead of the March 2026 elections. Its core comprises the Maoist Centre and the CPN (Unified Socialist), with Prachanda remaining a dominant—though increasingly scrutinized—figure.

The youth-led movement itself is now split between high-stakes party politics and independent activism. The most prominent “alternative” force has emerged in the alliance between Balen Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). In a bold attempt to break with the old political order, Shah resigned as mayor of Kathmandu to contest a parliamentary seat in Jhapa-5, directly challenging UML’s Oli on his home turf. The alliance has positioned Shah as its prime ministerial candidate, betting that the momentum of the protests can unseat the country’s most entrenched leaders.

At the same time, many original GenZ organizers, such as Rakshya Bam, have chosen to stay away from large party structures altogether. Running as independents or under smaller banners like the “GenZ Front,” they argue that joining any major party, even newer ones, inevitably leads to the same compromises. Their focus remains accountability: demanding justice for those killed during the September protests and acting as a “moral watchdog” to ensure the movement’s anti-corruption message is not diluted by electoral politics.

From India’s perspective, New Delhi has historically supported a democratic and stable Nepal, a position reaffirmed after the GenZ protests, when the Indian establishment swiftly recognized the interim government and began working with it. That said, no state welcomes unpredictability in its foreign relations, and predictability is built through continuity, trust, and sustained engagement. From this standpoint, India would prefer that the current political churn ultimately leads to a measure of stability.

India would first and foremost hope that these elections serve as a stabilising force in Nepal’s fractured politics, preventing a relapse into chaos that could raise security concerns along the open border. Elections are also moments when populist and nationalist rhetoric tends to peak, sometimes straining bilateral ties. While such rhetoric deserves attention, it is ultimately the post-election government that matters. Given the current geopolitical climate, a reset grounded in pragmatism and mutual interest will be essential. For now, it is time to let democracy, and the people of Nepal, do their work, while others watch and wait.

The author is a PhD Candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is also a Life member of Delhi Based the Delhi-based International Centre for Peace Studies

In the aftermath of America’s “Operation Absolute Resolve” in Venezuela on 3 Jan 2026, countries across the world publicly articulated their respective positions. A majority of states protested the operation, describing it as an attempt to topple the executive head of a sovereign country elected by its people. Some nations, however, supported the US action, arguing that President Nicolás Maduro had undermined democracy and governed Venezuela in an authoritarian manner. China and Russia, often aligned on major international issues, strongly condemned the US intervention, portraying it as part of a broader pattern of hegemonic behavior by Washington. 

Amid this global polarization, India adopted a distinct and carefully balanced position. Rather than aligning fully with any camp, India pursued a foreign policy course that reflects a third path in contemporary international relations, an alignment based on India's interest or a policy of multialignment with national interest at its core. As President Donald Trump continued to challenge multilateral institutions originally shaped by the United States and initiated multiple trade and tariff disputes even with close partners such as India, New Delhi refrained from rhetorical escalation and instead quietly recalibrated its diplomatic posture. India’s response to these developments illustrates a foreign policy approach that privileges strategic autonomy over ideological alignment. Rather than reacting impulsively to global pressures, India has consistently emphasized decision-making based on national priorities, domestic needs, and long-term strategic considerations.

Additional tariff on Indian exports 

One of the most visible manifestations of US-India tensions was President Trump’s decision in Aug 2025 to impose an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian exports. The stated justification was India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil despite US sanctions and pressure. Washington suggested that these tariffs could be reconsidered if India reduced or halted its energy imports from Russia.

India, however, did not change its policy. Instead of responding through public confrontation, New Delhi sent a quiet but firm diplomatic signal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi during his official visit last September. In a rare personal gesture, Prime Minister Modi received President Putin at Palam Airport, underscoring the importance India attaches to its relationship with Russia.

Beyond symbolism, substance followed. India and Russia concluded agreements aimed at ensuring uninterrupted oil supplies to India, reinforcing energy cooperation at a time of global volatility. These decisions were driven by India’s domestic energy needs and economic considerations rather than external pressure.

India’s position was straightforward: Indian leaders are accountable to Indian citizens and must protect Indian interests. India requires reliable and affordable energy supplies, and Russia remains a major and dependable source. While India and Russia have maintained cordial relations for decades, particularly in defense cooperation, recent developments have elevated this partnership to a strategic level. India continues to be one of the largest buyers of Russian defense equipment, further reinforcing mutual dependence. Despite sustained pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Modi chose to follow a course aligned with India’s own strategic roadmap. This episode clearly demonstrated that India’s foreign policy decisions are not dictated by alliance politics but by national necessity.

The Tianjin posture 

India’s multialignment was also evident in its engagement with multilateral platforms. A key example was the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, China, in late August 2025. As an active SCO member, Prime Minister Modi participated in the high-level summit and held sideline meetings with major leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. India’s presence at the SCO summit reflected its willingness to engage with Eurasian powers even at a time when relations with the United States were experiencing strain.

However, India also demonstrated diplomatic sensitivity and balance. Prime Minister Modi chose not to attend a separate Chinese victory parade commemorating Japan’s defeat in the Second World War. While President Putin and several other SCO leaders participated in the event, Modi returned to India after the summit concluded.

This decision was deliberate. From India’s perspective, the commemorative event is related to a bilateral historical issue between China and Japan. India maintains strong and friendly relations with Japan and saw no strategic benefit in participating in an event that could complicate those ties. By separating multilateral engagement from bilateral historical narratives, India reinforced its issue-based diplomacy and avoided unnecessary diplomatic signaling.

Another example of India’s balanced approach was its response to the Venezuela crisis. Following the American intervention in Jan 2026, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a carefully-worded statement. India neither endorsed the US military action nor defended President Maduro. Instead, it expressed concern over developments in Venezuela and emphasized the safety and welfare of Indian citizens residing there.

For India, the protection of its citizens abroad remains a fundamental responsibility of the state. The MEA’s response reflected India’s long-standing principles of non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and preference for peaceful dialogue. At a time when many countries adopted sharply polarized positions, India chose restraint and balance.

Strategic autonomy

At the heart of these policy choices lies strategic autonomy, a concept deeply embedded in India’s foreign policy tradition. In today’s realist international system, national interest remains the primary driver of state behavior. In this context, Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represent a realistic approach to diplomacy-one that places India and Indian citizens above all external considerations.

India maintains issue-based relations with all major powers. It is a strategic partner of the United States and a member of the QUAD, engaging actively in the Indo-Pacific framework. At the same time, India has preserved its deep strategic partnership with Russia, particularly in defense and energy cooperation. Simultaneously, India engages China through platforms such as BRICS and the SCO, even while managing complex bilateral challenges.

India and China also position themselves as prominent voices of the Global South, frequently questioning the dominance and hegemonic tendencies of the Global North. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has emerged as a leading diplomatic voice articulating the concerns of developing countries on issues ranging from global inequality to institutional reform. Through BRICS, India and China, along with other emerging economies, seek to reduce over-dependence on the US dollar and challenge the weaponization of global financial systems.

Crucially, India does not pursue its relationship with one power at the cost of another. It neither sacrifices ties with China to please the United States nor undermines relations with Washington to accommodate Beijing. This balanced posture defines India’s multialignment policy. Far from compromising sovereignty, India has strengthened it by independently pursuing its foreign policy objectives.

Good neighbourly ties

This approach also shapes India’s neighborhood policy. India has clearly stated that it seeks cooperative relations with neighbors who reciprocate goodwill. If a neighbor adopts an unfriendly posture, India reserves the right to respond appropriately—a position reiterated by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in recent statements.

In the context of Nepal-India relations, India’s multialignment and non-interference principles were evident. Despite significant political changes within Nepal, India refrained from intervening in domestic affairs. When Nepal experienced a political transition and an interim government was formed to conduct elections, India accepted the change and worked with the government in place. New Delhi supported Nepal’s general election scheduled for 5 March 2026, without showing preference for any political party or ideological orientation.

India’s multialignment foreign policy represents a pragmatic response to a fragmented and uncertain global order. By engaging all major powers while avoiding rigid alliances, India has positioned itself as an independent actor capable of navigating global crises without compromising national interests. Whether in trade disputes, energy security, multilateral diplomacy, or neighborhood relations, India’s actions consistently reflect strategic autonomy, realism, and national priority.