The past two decades have seen considerable political changes in India and Nepal reshaping relations between citizens, state and nature: in India, a progressive coalition formed a new government in 2004; in Nepal, a 10-year armed civil conflict ended in 2006. In both countries, new legislation around political rights, socioeconomic justice and inclusion and protection of the environment emerged which can be understood as an eco-social contract. However, the relatively progressive, eco-social phase of the 2000-noughts has weakened. In Nepal, contestation for an eco-social contract continues; in India, the eco-social contract is under attack altogether. The chapter highlights reforms and the advocacy of civil society. It concludes that reform—political, legislative and legal—and behavioural change are prerequisites for inclusive eco-social contracts but will not fructify without pressure and contestation from civil society movements. The chapter’s recommendations draw on India’s and Nepal’s trajectories.