As India’s economy races toward the $5 trillion mark, experts are calling for Nepal to strategically align itself with its neighbor’s growth trajectory through enhanced private-sector collaboration and policy reforms.
At the third AIDIA Distinguished Lecture on Sunday, Shishir Priyadarshi, President of the Adani Group-affiliated Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) and former WTO director, proposed the creation of a Nepal-India Economic Forum to deepen economic ties between the two nations.
Priyadarshi outlined five key recommendations to boost Nepal’s economic synergy with India. First, he emphasized the need for a bilateral economic forum to facilitate regular dialogue, trade simplification, and policy coordination. Second, he urged Nepal to capitalize on immediate opportunities, such as streamlining trade procedures and optimizing existing infrastructure. Third, he advocated for the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) along the border to attract investment and boost exports. Fourth, he proposed a Start-up and Innovation Bridge to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and tech ecosystems in both countries. Finally, he stressed the importance of upgrading border infrastructure to reduce trade bottlenecks.
Speaking at the event, themed ‘India’s Trillion Dollar Economy: Advantage to Nepal,’ Priyadarshi noted that while immense opportunities exist between the two nations, they do not automatically translate into outcomes. “Private sector-to-private sector (P2P) engagement, particularly in energy and trade, is crucial for shared growth,” he said, adding that stronger government policy coordination is needed to maximize benefits.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIDIA and CRF, formalizing collaboration between the two think tanks to advance joint research, policy advocacy, and strategic dialogue on regional development. AIDIA founder Sunil KC hailed the partnership as a milestone, underscoring a shared commitment to actionable policy solutions that benefit both countries.
With India’s economy expanding by $1 trillion every 12 to 18 months, the discussion highlighted Nepal’s urgent need to integrate more closely with its southern neighbor. The proposals aim to position Nepal as an active participant in India’s growth story, with the Adani-linked CRF playing a key role in shaping the economic dialogue.
The event was attended by senior bureaucrats, diplomats, policymakers, academics, and business leaders, all exploring ways to strengthen cross-border economic engagement.
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