The second edition of the Indo-Nepal Trade Festival is underway in the Indian capital, New Delhi, with the main slogan 'Connecting People, Enhancing Bilateral Trade'. The formal inaugural session was held on Friday at the PAD Bhawan in Hauz Khas.

Addressing the inaugural session, Nepali Ambassador to India Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma stressed the need to promote Nepal's tourism in India more effectively. Stating that Nepal's tourist destinations are not well publicized in India, he said that effective promotion of historical sites like Ramgram, which have potential, is necessary. Ambassador Sharma stressed that despite the increase in exports from Nepal to India, there is a dependence on limited items like soybean oil and palm oil, and stressed the need to increase exports of other products. Calling on Nepalis living in India to invest in Nepal, he suggested that the private sector of Nepal prepare a clear roadmap for this and promised that the embassy will provide necessary support. The special guest of the

program, Additional Secretary of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Munu Mahabar, expressed his best wishes for the successful completion of the elections in Nepal, which will be held in two weeks, and informed that India has provided necessary logistical support. Mahabar reiterated his commitment to advance shared prosperity through enhanced connectivity and cooperation, stating that inclusiveness is the mainstay of India's domestic and foreign policies. He said that the progress made with Nepal in the hydropower sector has the potential for collaboration in more ambitious projects in the coming days. Yubaraj Baral, President of Everest Chamber of Commerce, the main organizer of the festival, said in his welcome speech that Nepal-India relations have been based on the intimate relationship of 'bread and daughter' for thousands of years. Stating that the festival was organized to further strengthen the relationship through trade promotion, art and culture performances and film exhibitions, he expressed his commitment to make it more effective in the coming days. Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, invited Indian investors to make joint investments in Nepal's hotels, resorts, cable car circuits and religious tourism infrastructure. Stating that places like Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Janaki Temple and Lumbini have a deep connection with millions of Indian devotees, he said that there is a great potential for collaboration in the hill tourism and destination wedding sectors. He informed that Nepal Development Public Limited has been established with a capital of Rs 10 billion with the aim of expanding investment through domestic capital mobilization and called on Nepalis living in India to participate in the initiative.

At the event, former Nepali MP Dibyamani Rajbhandari pointed out the need for Nepal and India to work together on common issues such as climate change.

Umesh Prasad Singh, President of the Nepal Cottage and Small Enterprises Federation, stated that about 4 million jobs have been created in the cottage and small industry sector in Nepal, of which 1 million Indian citizens are involved, and expressed confidence that such festivals will further strengthen the close ties between the two countries.

Ankita Jaiswal, President of Sustainable Tourism Uttar Pradesh, stated that Nepal and India are countries that are deeply connected not only geographically but also by family and human ties, and expressed the view that service, hospitality and cultural relations should be linked with sustainable development.

Similarly, Atul Kumar Thakur, Senior Secretary of the Nepal-India Center of the PHD Chamber, stated that there is a wide potential for cooperation with Nepal in the field of film and location promotion and expressed a commitment to expand cooperation with the Everest Chamber in the coming days.

This year's festival will feature more than 10 high-level sessions and policy dialogues on topics including hydropower and energy partnerships, cross-border trade and connectivity, tourism integration through Ramayana and Buddhist circuits, banking, fintech and digital economy collaboration, media and cultural diplomacy, youth participation, education and innovation partnerships, startup ecosystem and 'Vision 2030' of Indo-Nepal cooperation.

More than 50 experts are participating in the program. 

On the first day of the festival, the Nepali film Gorkha Warrior, directed by Nepali director Milan Chamling Rai, was screened. A session on 'Role of Cinema as Soft Power in Nepal-India Relations' was held immediately after.

Along with business and policy discussions, the festival showcases Nepal's rich cultural heritage through music programs, film screenings, traditional arts and authentic Nepali cuisine. More than 60 stalls from Nepal and India are set up in the festival, and more than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend. The three-day festival will conclude on Sunday.