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Under the auspices of its India-Nepal Centre, and in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in India and Genese Solution, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) hosted the "Nepal-India Tech Forum 2026" on 27 February 2026 in New Delhi, India. The event brought together a distinguished group of policymakers and industry leaders to enhance the discussion on strengthening Nepal-India relations in the digital and technology sectors.

During the event as the "Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker," Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, emphasized the importance of enhancing India-Nepal bilateral cooperation through technological advancements. He highlighted the potential for collaboration between an ambitious Nepal and a growing India to deepen their ties, particularly in the technology sector. Dr. Sharma encouraged Indian IT companies to explore opportunities in Nepal, noting the country's attractiveness as an investment destination. He mentioned Nepal's progress in its digital journey, from the introduction of its first IT Policy in 2000 to the National AI Policy 2025 and the "IT Decade Vision." Nepal has developed significant digital infrastructure, including data centers, digital payment systems, and citizen platforms, with support from India, ADB, and the World Bank. Despite producing over 10,000 ICT graduates annually, retaining talent remains a challenge, as many professionals move abroad after a short period. The government's FASG Framework, focusing on Foundation, Access, Skills, and Growth, outlines a structured approach to inclusive digital transformation, with plans for AI Excellence Centers in each of the four provinces. While policy frameworks are in place, successful implementation and collaboration with the private sector are crucial. Indian companies like Infosys are already active in Nepal's banking sector, and there are opportunities for collaboration in cloud computing, FinTech, cybersecurity, and AI. With a shared policy vision and strong bilateral foundations, technology has the potential to be a key element of the Nepal-India partnership.

Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, was welcomed as the "Guest of Honour" and emphasized the Government of India's dedication to strengthening tech-driven connections with Nepal. He praised the efforts of the PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre in enhancing economic cooperation between India and Nepal through various activities in both countries. He also commended the initiatives of the Embassy of Nepal in India and highlighted the positive impact of infrastructural developments in the India-Nepal border regions, such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), petroleum pipelines, and improved transit and trade facilitation, on both economies. He reiterated India's commitment to promoting shared peace and prosperity with Nepal, stating that technology plays a crucial role in deepening cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized India's focus on sharing its technological expertise with neighboring countries to address common challenges faced by the Global South. The integration of UPI-Nepal payment systems, which has processed over a million transactions since its launch in 2024, and the participation of Nepalese startups in an IIT-based program, with nine receiving investment and incubation offers, were highlighted as examples of the growing digital collaboration between India and Nepal. Educational exchanges were also mentioned as a key component of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, fostering shared human capital for long-term digital cooperation.

Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair of the India-Nepal Centre at PHDCCI and India's former Ambassador to Nepal, emphasized the significant opportunity for Nepal in leveraging India's expertise in AI and advanced technology. He noted that Nepalis have a unique advantage due to their cultural familiarity, personal networks, and increasing presence in India's tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad. In the era of AI, success is not solely determined by scale but also by factors such as language, data, and innovation. Puri highlighted that Nepal's size is not a disadvantage, as the country possesses quality talent and innovative ideas that can compete on a global level, as demonstrated by Nepali professionals who contributed to the US pandemic response from Kathmandu.

Shekhar Golchha, Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chairman & Managing Director of Golchha Group, emphasized that Nepal's macroeconomic fundamentals are robust, with foreign reserves covering almost 20 months of imports, inflation ranging between 3–4%, interest rates as low as 5.2%, and a stable currency. However, a significant structural challenge remains: the lack of sufficient job opportunities leading to the migration of talented youth abroad. He highlighted the transformative potential of technology in addressing this issue, noting that Nepal's progress towards becoming power-surplus provides a natural advantage for energy-efficient data center infrastructure. With a growing pool of IT graduates and professionals making their mark globally, Nepal is well-positioned to evolve into a significant digital economy that not only consumes technology but also creates and hosts it.

The private sector has set an ambitious goal of achieving a $100 billion economy by 2030, which can be realized through good governance, structural reforms, and deeper collaboration between India and Nepal. Given that 70% of Nepal's trade is linked to India, this partnership is crucial. Shekhar Golchha proposed the establishment of an IIT in Kathmandu, drawing a parallel with the IIT in Dubai, as a symbol of the shared ambition for a deeper integration in the 21st century based on institutions, innovation, and intellectual collaboration. He emphasized that Nepal aims to be recognized as a center of leadership, innovation, and technology, ready to embrace a future driven by digital advancements.

Speaking virtually at the forum, Sushil Gyewali, CEO of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), extended an invitation to technology operators, AI investors, Indian IT giants, cloud providers, and data center leaders to form enduring partnerships with Nepal. He highlighted Nepal's unique advantage as a clean-energy digital infrastructure destination in South Asia, powered by renewable hydropower. The overarching goal is to transition from migration-driven growth to employment fueled by innovation and from mere connectivity to building genuine capabilities in the country.

Anand Jha, Vice President (Head of Government Engagement: India & South Asia) at Visa Inc, stated that Visa has been collaborating closely with PHDCCI and has expanded its presence in Nepal by organizing workshops in all seven provinces, featuring global experts in AI, cyber security, and e-commerce. Jha expressed confidence in Nepal's potential and highlighted three key priorities for the future. Firstly, establishing a regulator-led cross-border payment corridor between NRB and RBI to facilitate remittances, tourism, and small trade, replacing costly cash-based systems with secure, interoperable solutions. Secondly, adopting India's Digital Public Infrastructure as a model for Nepal's digital transformation, tailored to the country's specific needs. Lastly, focusing on digitizing small merchants and SMEs in Nepal, as many tourist areas still rely on cash transactions due to a lack of awareness rather than technological limitations. AnjaniPhuyal, CEO of Genese Solution, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the theme, while Dipesh Karki, Co-Founder & CTO of Lenden Club, shared his entrepreneurial journey in India.

Dr Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI delivered the welcome address. The Roundtable Discussion was moderated by Atul K Thakur, Senior Secretary, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI; among others, the speakers’ who addressed the forum were: Amar Jha, Managing Partner, Skills Oxygen LLP; Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Government of India; Satya Narayanan R, Chairman, CL Educate Ltd; R Balachander, Audit Committee Chair/Independent Director, Asset Reconstruction Company of India Ltd (Formerly: Independent Director, SMFG India Credit Co Ltd.; Retired Partner & National Leader Accounting Reporting & Compliance, EY ????); AnukoolBhatnagar, Adviser, India–Nepal Centre, PHDCCI & Partner, Sustain Edge ESG LLP (Formerly: CGM, SBI; MD & CEO, Nepal SBI Bank Ltd); Dushyant Thakor, Deputy Executive Director, World Association of Investment Promotion ASgencies (WAIPA); ShivamShekhawat, Junior Fellow (Strategic Studies Programme), Observer Research Foundation (ORF); Poshak Poudel, CEO, Citizen Life Insurance &President, Nepal Insurance Association; SanjibSubba, Founder, Kathmandu FinTek; Vineet Nahata, Chair, Economic Affairs Committee, PHDCCI (& MD, Power Gilt Treasuries Inc and Trustee, Central Board of EPFO, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India); Bikalp Raj Pokharel, Vice President, ECAN; Asish Thakur, Chairman, GlocalPvt Ltd; Shashvat Singh, Senior Fellow, India Foundation; Atul Koirala, Board Member, BP KoiralaIndia–Nepal Foundation (BPKF) & Tech Entrepreneur; Dr Kazem Samandari, Veteran Economist (& Executive Chairman, L’Opéra; President, KCSH & Associates and Terra Firma International); Dr Bhuvnesh Shrivastava - Lead (Government Affairs), AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.

Among the notable dignitaries present on the occasion were: Dr Surendra Thapa, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Nepal India; Tara NathAdhikari, Minister (Economic), Embassy of Nepal in India; Rabindra Jung Thapa, Counsellor (Economic), Embassy of Nepal in India; Tusharanshu Sharma, Deputy Secretary (Northern Division: Nepal-Economic), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.