The Shifting Sands of Sentiment: Decoding Anti-India Protests in Nepal and Beyond

In the vibrant, mountainous nation of Nepal, a familiar, yet potent, slogan has once again taken center stage: "Go Back India." While these cries might sound alarming, they are, in fact, a recurring motif in the intricate tapestry of India-Nepal relations, often fanned by domestic political winds and fueled by deep-seated historical narratives.

The latest wave of protests, spearheaded by groups like the ‘Nepal Deshbhakta Vidyarthi Manch’ (Nepal Patriotic Students' Forum), has brought the border disputes over Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura back into sharp, often aggressive, focus.

At the heart of this resurgence lies the shadow of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

During his previous tenure, Oli masterfully leveraged these territorial disputes, presenting himself as a staunch nationalist defender of Nepali sovereignty. His government even went so far as to issue a new political map incorporating the disputed territories, a move that significantly escalated tensions with New Delhi.

While no longer in power, Oli's political maneuvers continue to resonate, demonstrating how easily nationalist sentiment can be galvanized for political gain, even if it risks diplomatic fallout with a powerful neighbor.

But Nepal is not an isolated case. Look across South Asia, and you’ll find similar undercurrents of anti-India sentiment bubbling to the surface in various forms.

In Sri Lanka, the "India Out" campaign, though not as widespread, echoes concerns about perceived Indian overreach and influence. Bangladesh, too, has seen pockets of anti-India sentiment, particularly among Islamist groups, who exploit economic disparities and border issues to stoke public discontent.

These parallels are crucial; they highlight a broader regional challenge for India, where its sheer size and economic might are often viewed with suspicion, providing fertile ground for nationalist narratives to take root.

The sentiment isn't always rooted in genuine geopolitical threats; sometimes, it's a convenient scapegoat for internal failings.

When domestic governments struggle with economic woes, corruption, or political instability, blaming a powerful external actor like India can be an effective diversion. This tactic allows political leaders to unite disparate factions under a common 'enemy,' momentarily deflecting attention from their own governance issues.

Oli's strategy in Nepal is a prime example of this political opportunism, where nationalistic fervor overshadows pragmatic diplomacy.

Complicating this delicate balance is the undeniable presence of China. Beijing's increasing footprint in the region, through ambitious infrastructure projects and economic partnerships, offers South Asian nations an alternative power dynamic.

For countries like Nepal, this can be seen as an opportunity to diversify their foreign policy options and reduce perceived over-reliance on India. However, it also introduces a new layer of geopolitical competition, with both regional and global powers vying for influence, adding further complexity to existing bilateral relationships.

Ultimately, the "Go Back India" protests in Nepal, and similar sentiments elsewhere, serve as a potent reminder of the complexities of neighborhood diplomacy.

They are not merely isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper issues: historical grievances, territorial disputes, domestic political calculations, and the shifting regional power balance. For India, understanding these nuanced dynamics, engaging with empathy, and fostering genuine partnerships based on mutual respect, rather than perceived dominance, will be key to navigating its challenging, yet vital, backyard.