KP Sharma Oli’s Anti-India Stance? How Nepal’s Ex-PM Rewrote the Country’s Geopolitics With China

Sep 12, 2025

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KP Sharma Oli, Nepal’s former Prime Minister and a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), is one of the most debated figures in South Asian politics. Often portrayed as a nationalist at home, he is also widely criticised by opponents and Indian media for adopting an “anti-India” posture while deepening ties with China. His tenure reshaped Nepal’s foreign policy and left a legacy of both opportunities and challenges.

Oli’s Rise and the Nationalist Narrative

Oli built his political base on a platform of sovereignty, national dignity and resistance to external pressure. This narrative resonated with many Nepali voters, especially after long-standing political instability and perceived Indian interference in domestic affairs.

Strength	Description	Political Impact
Nationalist Branding	Repeated emphasis on Nepal’s independent foreign policy	Gained support among young voters
Border Maps Issue	Promulgation of new Nepal map including disputed territories	Seen as standing up to India
Consolidation of Left Parties	Unified Communist factions to form a powerful bloc	Secured parliamentary majority

India–Nepal Relations Under Oli: The “Anti-India” Perception

During Oli’s tenure, relations with India became strained on multiple fronts:

Territorial Disputes: His government published a new political map claiming Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura areas, sparking diplomatic protests from India.
Transit & Trade: Steps to reduce reliance on Indian ports were taken, such as agreements with Chinese ports.
Rhetoric: Critics in India saw his speeches as confrontational, while Oli insisted they were about safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty.

Issue	Oli’s Action	Resulting Perception
Border Dispute	Issued new map, passed through Parliament	“Anti-India” label in Indian media
Transit Agreements	Shifted trade routes toward China	Reduced dependence on India
Political Messaging	Assertive statements on sovereignty	Popular at home, controversial abroad

Pivot Toward China: Strategic or Overdependence?

Oli’s government signed multiple agreements with Beijing under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This included plans for rail links, highways and cross-border energy trade.

Area of Cooperation	Project Highlights	Reactions in Nepal
Infrastructure	Railway from Tibet to Kathmandu (feasibility studies)	Seen as game-changer but slow progress
Trade & Transit	Use of Chinese seaports and dry ports	Diversification applauded by some
Investments	Telecom, energy, and hydropower partnerships	Concerns about debt and sovereignty

Opponents accused Oli of tilting too far toward China, risking Nepal’s balanced foreign policy. Supporters argued he was merely diversifying Nepal’s options.

Governance and Allegations

Domestically, Oli’s government faced criticism for frequent dissolution of Parliament, mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, and allegations of corruption or favouritism in large infrastructure contracts. None of these have been legally proven, but they became major talking points in Nepal’s media.

Allegation / Criticism	Impact on Nepal
Centralising Power	Triggered constitutional crises, weakened Parliament
Cronyism / Corruption Allegations	Eroded public trust, though denied by his party
COVID-19 Handling	Perception of poor preparedness & response

Nepal’s Current Situation: After Oli

Political Instability: Multiple government changes and party splits have followed.
Economic Pressures: Inflation, unemployment, and rising debt continue to challenge the country.
Foreign Policy Tightrope: Nepal is still trying to balance relations with both India and China without appearing biased.

Conclusion

KP Sharma Oli remains a polarising figure in Nepal. His tenure is marked by bold decisions that appealed to nationalist sentiment but strained ties with India and brought Nepal closer to China. Whether this strategy will benefit Nepal in the long run or deepen its dependency on external powers is still debated. Future leaders will have to navigate these complex dynamics with greater finesse.