Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava met Nepal’s PM Oli to discuss India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26, including a Nepali citizen. Nepal expressed solidarity with India, condemned terrorism, and urged for peace while protests erupted in Kathmandu against Pakistan-sponsored attacks.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met with Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday in Kathmandu. The meeting came in the wake of the gruesome April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including Nepali national Sudeep Neupane.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ambassador Srivastava briefed PM Oli on the rapidly deteriorating situation between India and Pakistan following the attack. “Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on PM KP Sharma Oli today. During the call-on, Ambassador Srivastava apprised the PM of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. In response, PM Oli reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to global peace,” the office posted on X.
The Pahalgam attack, which involved four terrorists—two of whom were reportedly Pakistani nationals—has drawn strong reactions from both governments and civilians in Nepal. Massive protests erupted in Kathmandu, especially outside the Pakistani Embassy, condemning the attack and Pakistan’s alleged involvement in supporting terrorism. Protesters, including civil society members and leaders from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, raised slogans demanding justice for Sudeep Neupane and even defaced images of Pakistani military officials.
Following the attack, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This counter-offensive came after Pakistan allegedly attempted to launch drone and missile strikes at Indian civilian and military facilities in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur—all of which were successfully intercepted and neutralized by Indian defense systems.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement, expressing deep concern over the rising hostilities and reiterating Nepal’s firm stance against all forms of terrorism. “Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism. In line with its principled position, Nepal shall not allow any inimical forces to use its soil against its neighbouring countries. Nepal hopes for de-escalation of tension and affirms its commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region,” the ministry said.
In a direct diplomatic gesture of solidarity, PM Oli personally called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his condolences and strongly condemn the attack. During their conversation, Oli described the incident as “heinous” and reiterated Nepal’s support for India in its fight against terrorism.
The developments highlight the shifting dynamics in South Asia, with Nepal openly aligning itself with anti-terrorism efforts and promoting regional peace, even as geopolitical tensions flare between two nuclear-armed neighbours.
