Nepal Urges Vigilance for Citizens Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Conflict

May 9, 2025: Nepal’s Parliament has raised urgent concerns over the safety of Nepali citizens residing in India and Pakistan as tensions escalate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, on Friday called on the government to take proactive steps to safeguard Nepalis abroad and prepare for any fallout from the ongoing conflict.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Ghimire said, “In light of the current situation between India and Pakistan, I draw the attention of the Government of Nepal to make necessary arrangements regarding the security and possible problems that may arise for all Nepalis living there.”

Ghimire’s call was echoed by several lawmakers, who urged the government to closely monitor developments and initiate timely preparations to mitigate any potential impact on Nepal.

Tensions flared after India launched airstrikes on nine suspected terrorist camps in Pakistan in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 tourists, including one Nepali citizen, dead.

On Thursday night, Pakistan retaliated with a wave of drone and missile strikes, targeting areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. However, Indian defence officials confirmed that the S-400 air defence system intercepted most incoming threats, preventing major damage.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by calling for de-escalation and reiterated its “resolute stance against all forms of terrorism.” The ministry emphasized that peaceful dialogue remains the best path forward for regional stability.

Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s latest actions, labeling the May 8 attacks as “provocative and escalatory.” He dismissed Pakistan’s claims that India had targeted its own cities and denounced allegations of a drone strike on the Nankana Sahib Gurdwara as “blatant disinformation” aimed at inciting communal tension.

“That we would attack our cities is the kind of deranged fantasy only the Pakistani state could come up with,” Misri stated during a press briefing, further accusing Pakistan of spreading falsehoods to divert attention from its own aggression.

As the diplomatic and military standoff intensifies, Nepal finds itself walking a tightrope, aiming to protect its citizens while calling for peace and stability in the region.