Alleged US-funded political influence operations in Nepal and their implications for regional security

An investigative report published by The Grayzone, alleges that US-funded organizations, particularly the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its associated implementing partners under the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), played a significant role in cultivating political activists and emerging political leaders in Nepal before the September 2025 political upheaval.

According to the investigation, leaked CEPPS documents covering activities between 2017 and 2022 identify several individuals who subsequently emerged as prominent political figures in Nepal, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Prime Minister Balen Shah, Home Minister Sudan Gurung and parliamentarian Sagar Dhakal.

The report alleges that Washington-funded programs sought to influence Nepal’s political environment through youth leadership development, political training, public opinion research, engagement with marginalized communities, social media campaigning and the cultivation of emerging political figures.