Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasized Nepal’s need for additional air routes from India to fully operationalize its newly constructed international airports in Pokhara and Lumbini. Speaking at the India-Nepal Economic Conference in New Delhi on Friday, Minister Deuba called for enhanced bilateral cooperation to expand connectivity and foster mutual development in tourism and infrastructure.
New International Airports as Key Hubs
Minister Deuba highlighted the strategic importance of the Pokhara and Lumbini international airports, noting their significant roles in Nepal’s tourism and connectivity aspirations.
“We have built two international airports in Pokhara and Lumbini. These are not just airports but gateways to two globally significant cities. Pokhara is a tourism hub, while Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. To unlock their full potential and promote both tourism and connectivity, Nepal seeks additional air routes from India,” she said.
The Minister urged Indian airlines to increase their flights to Nepal and assured them of Nepal’s commitment to providing maximum incentives for such initiatives.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Connectivity
Minister Deuba stressed that operationalizing these airports at full capacity would not only promote tourism between the two countries but also enhance people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges.
“Beyond tourism, these airports are vital for strengthening the ties between the people of Nepal and India. With enhanced air connectivity, both nations can further uncover their mutual tourism potential and contribute to South Asia’s regional connectivity,” she added.
Joint Tourism Initiatives and Cultural Promotion
Minister Deuba highlighted the immense opportunities in religious and cultural tourism through initiatives like the Ramayana Circuit and Buddha Circuit. She called for collaborative efforts to promote these projects effectively, enabling both nations to reap mutual benefits.
“These initiatives can significantly promote religious tourism and deepen the cultural bond between our countries. Joint promotion and cooperation in these circuits are essential for maximizing their impact,” she emphasized.
Investment Opportunities for Indian Stakeholders
Addressing Indian investors, Minister Deuba lauded India as Nepal’s largest investor and invited Indian private sectors to explore the abundant investment opportunities in Nepal. She encouraged them to leverage Nepal’s untapped potential across various sectors.
Milestones in Cross-Border Infrastructure and Energy Trade
Minister Deuba also acknowledged the significant progress in cross-border infrastructure development, citing successful projects such as rail connectivity, petroleum pipelines, power transmission lines, and road networks. She specifically highlighted the transformative progress in cross-border energy trade, initiated by the landmark agreement between the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in April 2022.
Building on this agreement, Nepal has set a goal to export 10,000 MW of electricity to India within the next decade, an initiative already underway.
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
Minister Deuba concluded by reiterating Nepal’s commitment to enhancing its relations with India through mutual cooperation in tourism, connectivity, and investment. The focus on expanding air routes and joint tourism ventures reflects a broader vision to foster sustainable growth and deepen regional integration.
The conference served as a vital platform to discuss mutual opportunities and challenges while reaffirming the shared commitment of Nepal and India to strengthen economic and cultural ties.
