Kathmandu, May 21
The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal, held a seminar on Nepal–India Economic Connectivity on May 20, at Basera Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, civil society leaders and scholars to discuss opportunities and challenges in bilateral economic engagement.
Opening the event, Amb Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chairperson of CESIF Nepal, said Nepal’s geography alone cannot guarantee prosperity and urged more strategic and practical engagement with India. Research associate Nimesh Mani Risal presented findings highlighting institutional preparedness gaps and key sectors including energy, tourism and digital connectivity, recommending stronger coordination mechanisms, reduced bureaucracy and major infrastructure upgrades.
The panel discussion, moderated by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, included Krishna Gyawali, Amb Chandra Ghimire, Kumar Mani Thapaliya, Satish Joshi and Dikshya Singh. Speakers emphasised the need for depoliticised, evidence-based policy approaches, improved cross-border connectivity, urgency in harnessing hydropower export potential, unresolved transit infrastructure challenges, tourism bottlenecks and the economic distortions created by informal cross-border trade.
More than 60 participants attended the event. CESIF thanked all contributors and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering continued dialogue on key domestic and foreign policy issues.
