Recent developments involving Nepal’s former King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and India’s political leadership have reignited speculation about a potential revival of Nepal’s monarchy. The interconnected visits and historical ties among these players present an intriguing narrative that blends diplomatic strategies, personal alliances, and shifting political landscapes.

Former King Gyanendra’s Visit to Bhutan

Former Nepalese King Gyanendra’s four-day visit to Bhutan on October 3, 2024, raised eyebrows across South Asia. Invited by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the visit coincided with growing dissatisfaction in Nepal over political instability, corruption, and governance failures. The meeting of the two monarchs triggered speculation that Gyanendra may be exploring avenues to reintroduce a constitutional monarchy in Nepal. Bhutan’s stable monarchy and the deep respect it commands in its society might offer a template or inspiration for Gyanendra’s aspirations.

Bhutan’s Strengthened Ties with India

On December 5, 2024, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India, accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. This two-day official visit emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Bhutan and India, marked by high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key leaders. The visit focused on enhancing cooperation in clean energy, trade, and technology, reinforcing Bhutan’s position as a trusted ally of India.

King Jigme Khesar’s diplomatic charm and Bhutan’s consistent alignment with Indian interests solidify Bhutan’s role as a key player in regional geopolitics. His close ties with India’s leadership, particularly the BJP government, contrast sharply with the strained relationship between Nepal’s monarchy and Indian governments during certain periods in history.

The Bhutan-Nepal Connection and India’s Role

On December 6, 2024, King Jigme Khesar made an unofficial visit to Nepal while returning from India. During his brief stay, he visited sacred sites in Kathmandu and met Nepalese Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. While seemingly apolitical, the timing of this visit, immediately after high-level discussions in Delhi, invites speculation. Could Bhutan’s King be acting as a bridge to mend or redefine Nepal’s ties with India under the BJP-led government?

Former King Gyanendra’s historical relationship with India’s BJP government adds weight to this speculation. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister, Nepal’s monarchy enjoyed strong support from India, with Gyanendra even being publicly recognized as a Hindu King by BJP leaders. However, this dynamic shifted dramatically when India’s Congress-led government came to power, and ties soured. Nepal’s monarchy was ultimately abolished during a period when the BJP was in opposition, leaving Gyanendra politically isolated.

A Possible Push for Constitutional Monarchy?

The visits and interactions suggest a larger narrative. Bhutan’s King, with his strong rapport with India’s current leadership, could be an intermediary in re-establishing Gyanendra’s standing with Indian policymakers. For India, a stable Nepal is crucial to countering China’s influence in the region. A constitutional monarchy, perceived as a unifying force in Nepal, might align with India’s strategic interests.

Furthermore, Gyanendra’s visit to Bhutan and King Jigme Khesar’s subsequent engagement in Kathmandu subtly signal the possibility of coordinated efforts to assess Nepal’s political future. If Gyanendra can leverage these interactions to rekindle Indian support, it could reshape Nepal’s internal politics.

The Road Ahead

While these developments are far from definitive, they highlight the fluidity of South Asian geopolitics and the enduring influence of historical relationships. The interplay between Nepal, Bhutan, and India underscores the delicate balance of personal, political, and diplomatic ties shaping the region. Whether this marks the beginning of a larger push to reintroduce constitutional monarchy in Nepal remains to be seen, but the implications for the nation’s political future are profound.