KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that Nepal and India can achieve shared prosperity through deeper connectivity and joint partnerships.

Speaking at the Nepal–India Strategic Dialogue in Kathmandu, she highlighted the need to enhance trade, transit, and investment ties through stronger economic and infrastructure links.

Dr. Rana envisioned a future where Nepali products like ginger reach Indian markets within 24 hours, and Indian tourists can fly from Delhi to Pokhara in a day. She stressed that the historical and cultural ties between the two countries form the foundation for closer cooperation and connectivity, which can drive mutual prosperity.

Calling for increased investment in roadways, railways, waterways, air routes, and digital infrastructure, she noted that seamless connectivity would benefit cross-border trade, transit, and regional supply chains. She also pointed to energy cooperation as a key success, citing India’s commitment to import 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the next decade.

Dr. Rana urged both nations to jointly focus on the digital economy, innovation, modern education, and skill development. She highlighted India’s tech capacity and Nepal’s youth potential as strong assets for collaboration in tech hubs and startups.

Thanking India for supporting Nepal’s recent Sagarmatha Sambaad, she concluded by saying that such platforms will deepen bilateral ties, promote exchange of ideas, and strengthen people-to-people connections.