Kathmandu: Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Nepal’s Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, emphasized the enduring strength of bilateral relations between Nepal and India, describing the two neighboring nations as being “joined at the hip.”
Addressing a session titled “Proximity to Prosperity: The India-Nepal Opportunity,” Dr. Wagle noted that despite occasional diplomatic friction, the core foundation of India-Nepal relations remains rooted in shared geography, history, and deep-seated cultural and economic ties.
“There was a time when we equated Nepali nationalism with anti-India sentiment. That era is now over,” Dr. Wagle declared, signaling a pragmatic shift toward regional economic cooperation and partnership.
Highlighting crisis response, the Finance Minister praised New Delhi as a dependable “first responder,” acknowledging India’s prompt assistance during critical emergencies in Nepal, including the devastating 2015 earthquake and recent flash floods.
Beyond bilateral diplomacy, Dr. Wagle addressed regional dynamics and societal shifts, particularly the rising influence of Gen Z. He characterized the younger generation as digital natives driven by real-time connectivity, urging policymakers across South Asia to adapt to modern governance expectations.
On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Dr. Wagle also held brief discussions with Indian leadership, reiterating Nepal’s commitment to expanding trade, energy infrastructure, and economic connectivity across borders.
