Nepal, India can achieve shared prosperity through economic partnership and connectivity: FM Rana

Kathmadu, June 12

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said that Nepal and India can achieve shared prosperity through economic partnerships and connectivity in various sectors.

Inaugurating a programme on Nepal–India Strategic Dialogue in Kathmandu on Thursday, she emphasised the need to advance economic partnership by expediting cooperation in trade, transit, and investment between Nepal and India through enhanced connectivity.

Highlighting that time has come for Nepal and India to transform their connectivity into prosperity through multiple platforms, she said, “I envision a future where Nepali ginger reaches Mumbai market within 24 hours, and an Indian tourist can complete a morning meeting in Delhi and fly to Pokhara by evening. This level of proximity should serve as the foundation of economic prosperity for both nations.”

FM Dr. Rana noted that the lives of citizens of the two nations are based on shared values, cultures and emotions, and expressed her confidence that people-to-people contact, cooperation, and connectivity would help shape a prosperous future for both countries.

She stressed the importance of expanding mutual connectivity through investment in roadways, railways, waterways, aviation, and digital infrastructure.

“Our seamless connectivity will not only support regional and global supply chains but will also enhance transit trade and border economies, ultimately benefiting the citizens of both the countries,” said FM Dr. Rana.

She pointed out that the global economic landscape is increasingly centred on knowledge-based economies, services, and digital platforms. Likewise, she stressed the need for both countries to jointly focus their efforts on digital economy, technology and innovation, modern education, skills development, and the creative economy in the coming days.

Dr. Rana highlighted the energy sector as a leading example of cooperation between the two nations, and said Nepal's vast hydropower potential offers a clean and renewable energy source that will serve future generations.

"India’s commitment to importing 10,000 megawatts of electricity from Nepal over the next decade is a clear representation of Nepal–India energy cooperation. "The two countries are strengthening collaboration in power transmission interconnection, grid connectivity, electricity exchange, and cross-border electricity trade," she said.

Referring to India's significant capacity in digital skills and innovation and Nepal’s growing population of tech-savvy youth, FM Dr. Rana said, “We must promote tech hubs, start-ups, and digital innovation platforms through mutual cooperation and allow our youth to work together, embrace technology, and move towards prosperity.”

She acknowledged the current global scenario marked by rapid technological change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and increasing risks from climate change, and underscored the need for joint cooperation between the two countries to face common challenges. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 June 2025.