South Asia in 2025 faces a wave of political upheaval marked by youth-led protests and regime collapses. Nepal’s recent crisis, triggered by social media bans and economic despair, epitomises the region’s fragility. This unrest follows similar patterns seen in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain mired in chronic instability. India stands out as the region’s sole stable democracy amid this turmoil.
Nepal’s Political and Economic Crisis
Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned in September 2025 after violent protests led by Generation Z. The protests began against social media restrictions but grew into a wider revolt against corruption and joblessness. Youth unemployment in Nepal reached 20.8% in 2024. Nearly one-fourth of Nepal’s population works abroad, making remittances 33% of GDP. This dependence on external labour masks the failure to create domestic jobs or industries. Since ending monarchy in 2008, Nepal has had 14 governments with average tenures of 18 months. This revolving-door politics fuels frustration among educated youth demanding accountability. The storming and burning of parliament symbolised rejection of a dysfunctional political system.
Regional Pattern of Regime Collapse
Nepal’s crisis is part of a broader South Asian trend of political instability. Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee amid mass protests. Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led protests ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina, replaced by an interim government struggling with polarisation and violence. These events reveal a pattern of popular uprisings against corruption, authoritarianism, and economic mismanagement. The resulting power vacuums often lead to fragile or interim regimes.
Pakistan’s Enduring Political Turmoil
Pakistan remains trapped in a cycle of military dominance and weak civilian rule. Real power lies with the military headquartered in Rawalpindi. Arrests of political leaders like Imran Khan intensify instability. Economic challenges and security threats persist, preventing democratic consolidation. This ongoing uncertainty undermines governance and fuels public discontent.
Afghanistan’s Humanitarian and Security Crisis
Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, Afghanistan faces isolation and economic collapse. The regime’s suppression of human rights, especially women’s, worsens internal despair. Refugee flows and cross-border militancy destabilise neighbouring countries. Narcotics trafficking from Afghanistan adds to regional security concerns. The governance model based on coercion and ideology deepens the crisis.
India’s Democratic Stability
Amid regional turbulence, India maintains relative political stability and democratic continuity. Its robust institutions and electoral processes contrast with neighbours’ fragility. India’s position as a stable democracy provides a counterpoint to the widespread instability in South Asia.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of recent events how youth unemployment can influence political stability in developing countries.
- Critically examine the role of remittance economies in shaping the political and economic landscapes of South Asian nations.
- Explain the factors contributing to the persistence of military influence in Pakistan’s politics and its impact on democratic governance.
- With suitable examples, discuss the regional security implications of Afghanistan’s political and humanitarian crisis since 2021.
