Chairperson of the International Relations and Tourism Committee under Nepal’s House of Representatives, Raj kishor Yadav, has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between Nepal and India to strengthen bilateral relations and maximize shared opportunities.
Speaking at an international conference on ‘Nepal-India Relations, Neighborly Diplomacy, and the Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings’ in New Delhi, Yadav highlighted the centuries-old civilizational ties between the two nations and stressed the importance of fostering historical, cultural, and people-to-people connections. He proposed the promotion of religious tourism circuits, including the Buddhist Circuit linking Lumbini and Bodh Gaya, the Ramayana Circuit connecting Ayodhya and Janakpur, and the Mahabharata Circuit, covering sites associated with the Pandavas.
Yadav also stressed the importance of accelerating cross-border infrastructure development, calling for the expansion of railways, roads, petroleum pipelines, and power transmission lines. Additionally, he advocated for digital payment system integration between Nepal and India to enhance economic connectivity.
Highlighting economic cooperation, he urged India to increase investment in Nepal’s hydropower, industrial, and tourism sectors, stating that the trilateral energy agreement has opened new avenues for regional collaboration. He emphasized that physical and digital connectivity should be the foundation of Nepal-India cooperation, as they are essential for economic growth, social progress, and regional stability.
Furthermore, Yadav underscored the need for effective use of regional platforms such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BBIN, urging Nepal and India to work together for greater regional prosperity. He concluded by stating that both nations must make dedicated efforts to harness shared opportunities and that strong commitment is essential to turn these initiatives into reality.