Friday, May 22

Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) and Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) hosted the joint Webinar on COVID-19 and Nepal-India Relations.         

The virtual discussion was focused to discuss on how both countries should collaborate on minimizing the economic consequences of covid-19 and what should be our priorities for post crisis scenario in respect to our vital bilateral economic engagement including trade, transit, connectivity, tourism, cross-border migration among others, said Mr. Sunil KC, CEO/Founder of AIDA.         

Speakers emphasized for resolving the border dispute between Nepal and India through friendly discussions and dialogue. Citing the example of settled border dispute between India and Bangladesh under the initiative of Indian Prime Minister Modi, Former Minister Surendra Pandey said, head-to-head talks should be held between the Prime Ministers and political leaders of the two countries.    

Dr. Nihar R. Nayak from IDSA emphasized on the need of bilateral policy synchronization and policy compatibility between Nepal and India to deal with covid-19 pandemic, referring to the open border  between two countries and stranded cross-border migrant workers.        

Former Ambassador of India to Nepal, Ranjit Rae opined that both government should accept the Eminent Persons Group report and look at the recommendations suggested by them, as Indian side already on record stated that we are quite prepared to discuss or amend the treaty. 

Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, MP IDSA emphasized on the significance of similar scholarly engagements to resolve the issues and promote the better bilateral relations.

Member of Parliament Abhishek Pratap Shah, Dr. Bishnu Raj Upreti (Head, Policy Research Institute), Dr. Bindu N. Lohani (Former VC of ADB) and Dr. Govind Prasad Pokharel (Former VC of NPC) also presented their deliberations from Nepali side. Similarly, former Ambassadors to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri Prof. S.D Muni, Prof. Mahendra P. Lama expressed their respective views on the issue.