KATHMANDU: While Nepal’s one-China policy faces scrutiny, activism among Tibetan refugees has been rising since the Gen-Z movement in September last year.
Tibetan refugee activism became particularly visible when the government led by then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli fell on September 9, 2025 due to the movement. At the time, China had raised concerns over the involvement of Tibetan youth in the protests.
Sushila Karki, who became interim Prime Minister in September 2025, had previously received congratulations from the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama and the head of his government.
Continuing that tradition, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, sent his congratulations to Balendra Shah, who assumed the office of Nepal’s Prime Minister last Friday.
In a social media message on Saturday, Penpa Tsering wrote: “Your emergence as the youngest Prime Minister following the recent Gen-Z-led movement is a powerful symbol of the aspirations of the Nepali people, especially the youth.”
He also highlighted the long-standing historical and spiritual ties between Nepal and Tibet, noting the contributions of the Tibetan community in Nepal: “Nepal and Tibet share deep historical and spiritual bonds. The Tibetan community, which sought refuge in Nepal after the forcible occupation of Tibet, has made significant contributions to Nepal’s social and economic sectors while preserving its identity. We are grateful for the generosity of the Government of Nepal and the Nepali people.”
The message concluded with best wishes for Balendra’s tenure and a hope for continued friendship between the two peoples: “Best wishes for your successful tenure at this important moment in Nepal’s history! We hope the friendship between our peoples will strengthen further, and that Nepal will progress toward prosperity and positive change.”
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