India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Forum 2026 Strengthens Bilateral Trade and Investment Dialogue
The India–Nepal Economic Cooperation Forum 2026 was successfully convened on April 15 in Birgunj and on April 16 in Hetauda—two of Nepal’s key industrial hubs. The forum was jointly organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Bara Parsa Udyog Sangh (BPUS), Confederation of Bagmati Province Industries (CBPI), Makwanpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), and the PHDCCI India–Nepal Centre.
Bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and industry stakeholders from both countries, the forum served as a vital platform to advance discussions on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between India and Nepal. A central theme throughout the sessions was enhancing the Ease of Doing Business through improved compliance systems, process-driven approaches, and technology-enabled, hassle-free transit at key border points.
As Nepal’s largest trading partner, India continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape. The forum facilitated meaningful dialogue and business linkages, opening avenues for investments and joint ventures across priority sectors including Tourism & Hospitality, Agriculture & Food Processing, Ayurveda & Organic Foods, Hydro & Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, and IT & New Technologies.
In his address, Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of India in Birgunj, highlighted the strong foundation of Nepal–India economic and commercial relations. He emphasized that open borders and expanding connectivity projects have significantly facilitated trade between the two nations.
He noted that recent developments—such as improved border infrastructure, enhanced physical and digital connectivity, the operational Motihari–Amlekhganj Petroleum Pipeline (now being extended to Chitwan), the introduction of digital payment systems like Indian RuPay, and progress in bilateral power sector cooperation—are expected to further accelerate trade and economic integration.
Underscoring the importance of collaboration, Meena stated that mutual knowledge exchange can unlock new opportunities. “By working together, India and Nepal can create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters startups, promotes innovation, boosts tourism, and generates employment, particularly in agriculture and allied industries,” he said.
The forum was moderated by Atul K. Thakur, Senior Secretary, India–Nepal Centre, PHDCCI. It featured insights from prominent industry leaders including Dr. Ghanashyam Ojha (CNI), Pramod Kumar Sah (CNI Madhesh Province), Trilochan Kandel (CBPI), Hari Prasad Gautam (Birgunj Chamber of Commerce & Industries), Suman Shrestha (CCIC), Ashok Temani (FNCCI Madhesh Province), Chiranjivi Subedi (CCIC), Mohan Sharma (Jeetpur Simra City Chamber), Anil Kumar Agrawal (BiCCI), Bishwash Pratap Shah (NYEF Birgunj), Niraj Agrawal (NICCI), Pramod Singh Ranabhat (MCCI), and Chandan Singh (NYEF Birgunj).
Participants expressed confidence that the forum’s deliberations would open new avenues for business engagement, stimulate investment, and provide a much-needed boost to trade—particularly across crucial border points such as Birgunj–Raxaul and within the Hetauda industrial cluster.