India Disavows Links with Nepal's Pro-Monarchy Activist Durga Prasai: Clarifying Diplomatic Stance

Durga Prasai, a Nepal pro-monarchy activist (File).

New Delhi:

The Indian government has explicitly distanced itself from controversial Nepali businessman and royalist campaigner Durga Prasai's political activities. Prasai recently arrived in Delhi for medical follow-up reportedly related to cancer treatment, marking his second visit to India in recent weeks.

While Prasai has characterized his trips as efforts to engage Indian leaders and gain moral support for his campaign to reinstate Nepal's monarchy and Hindu statehood, Indian officials have categorically denied any involvement or interest in his political agenda.

Diplomatic and security sources indicate that Indian authorities consider Prasai's activism an unwanted complication during a period when India is focused on maintaining stable relations with Nepal's democratically elected government and avoiding perceptions of meddling in Nepal's internal politics.

"Indian officials have warned Durga Prasai against conducting political activities while in India and against making misleading claims about Indian support," an official with knowledge of the situation informed NDTV.

The source further revealed that neither Prasai nor his son secured meetings with any Indian government or party representatives during this visit, similar to their unsuccessful attempts in previous weeks.

Prasai has announced plans for a major pro-monarchist demonstration in Kathmandu on November 23, to be followed by a nationwide campaign featuring road blockades and mass protests. His speeches, filled with nationalist and anti-republican sentiment, have garnered passionate support from royalist circles while facing criticism from mainstream political parties.

Delhi officials are reportedly frustrated by Prasai's assertions of Indian sympathy for his cause.

"India has absolutely no connection - direct or indirect - with Prasai's political activities," stated a senior official involved in India-Nepal diplomatic relations. "He operates as a domestic political figure... his campaigns receive no endorsement from India."

Officials reiterated that India's Nepal policy remains firmly grounded in principles of non-interference, prioritizing engagement with Nepal's democratic institutions rather than fringe movements.

In Nepal, Prasai's rallies have been characterized by violence and arrests. Analysts from both countries suggest his repeated claims of Indian backing aim to enhance his domestic credibility, but India's definitive disavowal has seemingly undermined his efforts to claim external legitimacy.

In April, Prasai was arrested by Indian authorities and handed over to Nepal after fleeing violent protests during which his supporters set fire to numerous public and private buildings.