India-Nepal Strategic Dialogue

CESIF Nepal
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Date: 12 June 2025

Organized by: Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal and Ananta Aspen Centre (AAC), India

The Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal, in collaboration with the Ananta Aspen Centre (AAC), India, co-organized the inaugural India-Nepal Strategic Dialogue on June 12, 2025, in Kathmandu. The dialogue aimed to provide a dedicated platform for high-level discussion on issues critical to India-Nepal relations, including climate change, energy security, connectivity, digital innovation, and regional stability.

Opening Remarks


The inaugural session began with welcome remarks by Amb. Vijay Kant Karna, Executive Chairperson of CESIF, followed by Ms. Indrani Bagchi, CEO of AAC. Special remarks were delivered by His Excellency Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal. The event concluded with inaugural remarks by the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, who highlighted the historical and evolving importance of India-Nepal strategic engagement.

Panel 1: Strengthening Bilateral Ties – The Future of India-Nepal Relations


Moderator (Far Right): Mr. Ashok Malik (Partner, The Asia Group)
Panelists (from the right, in order):

  • Amb. Shyam Saran (Former Foreign Secretary of India)
  • Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi (Former National Security Advisor, Government of Nepal)
  • Ms. Indrani Bagchi (CEO, AAC)
  • Mr. Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (Research Director, CESIF)

This panel explored the evolving dynamics of India-Nepal relations and discussed strategic pathways to deepen bilateral cooperation, especially in diplomacy, trade, and regional coordination.

Panel 2: Energy Cooperation and Climate Change


Moderator: Mr. Kuber Chalise (Journalist)
Panelists (from the right, in order):

  • Mr. Dinesh Kumar Ghimire (Former Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal)
  • Dr. Arabinda Mishra (Senior Fellow, WRI India)
  • Mr. Lal Krishna KC (Senior Development Planner and Business Strategist, Nepal)
  • Ms. Shuva Raha (Fellow and Lead, International Cooperation, CEEW)

Discussions centered around cross-border energy trade, joint climate resilience strategies, and Nepal’s integration into regional energy infrastructure initiatives.

Panel 3: Connectivity, Trade and Economic Cooperation


Moderator: Mr. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri (India Practice Head, Eurasia Group)
Panelists (from the right, in order):

  • Dr. Baikuntha Aryal (Former Chief Secretary, Government of Nepal)
  • Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini (Former Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Nepal)
  • Ms. Riya Sinha (Associate Fellow, CSEP)
  • Mr. Chandra Kishore (Senior Journalist & Borderland Expert, Nepal)
  • Mr. Ashok Malik (Partner, The Asia Group)

The session emphasized the urgency of modernizing infrastructure, enhancing cross-border trade facilitation, and strengthening institutional frameworks for economic cooperation.

Panel 4: Cooperation on Digital Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies


Moderator: Mr. Mahesh Kumar Kushwaha (Research Fellow, CESIF)
Panelists (from the left, in order):

  • Mr. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri (India Practice Head, Eurasia Group)
  • Mr. Abhishek Sankritik (Finternetlab)
  • Dr. Amrita Sharma (National Digital Landscape Expert, Nepal)
  • Mr. Santosh Koirala (Director, Operations – Techkraft, Nepal)
  • Mr. Dipesh Bista (CEO, e-Governance Board, Nepal)

This panel addressed digital transformation efforts in both countries, exploring lessons from India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and opportunities for cross-border tech innovation, cybersecurity, and inclusive digital governance.

author

CESIF Nepal

Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy