Roundtable Discussion on “India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups” Held in Janakpur, Nepal

In association with the Consulate General of India (CGI) and the Nepal Young Entrepreneurs' Forum (NYEF: Birgunj & Janakpur Chapters), PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre organised a crucially important Roundtable Discussion on "India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups" on 16 December 2025 at Mithila Awadh Dharamshala, Janakpur, Nepal. A meaningful dialogue hosted through this platform mostly centered on startups/young entrepreneurs' with an aim to further accelerate bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal in priority sectors influenced by New Technology.

In his opening remarks, the Session Chair Atul K Thakur, Senior Secretary, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI presented a detailed overview on the past, present and a way forward for industrialisation in Madhesh region and Nepal at large. He reflected on the changing industrial profile of both India and Nepal-and how as one of the fastest growing economies in the world with open borders and friendly bilateral ties with Nepal, is opening a plethora of opportunities never seen before. In particular, the rise of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh reassures the possibilities of big gains to Nepal as the local industries will have enhanced collaboration in the value chain. Also, the Nepalese ancillaries' and competent human resources are increasingly shaping Nepal's aspirations and positioning it as a competent ally. He said that whole India-Nepal relations should be defined with diverse factors (including deep social and cultural ties), the new wave of technology adoption and practices also necessitate it to reboot our bilateral ties with keeping 'technology cooperation' in the middle of the scheme of things.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker": Mr Devi Sahai Meena (IFS), Consul General of India, Birgunj, Nepal, said "Today's Roundtable Discussion on India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups shall support the convergence of new age businesses in Nepal with their counterparts in India besides ideating on various aspects of new technology and how India's edge in this segment can be beneficial for Nepalese businesses. A dialogue platform like this plays an utmost significant role in bringing prominent voices at one place for better understanding on the subject besides finding solutions for further simplifying the business procedures for better outcomes." He added, "The startups and new technology (including Artificial Intelligence) have been well-covered in the recent Summit organised by the Embassy of India in Nepal-and for the wider participation, we are quite open and appreciative. In the IT & ITeS sector too, India and Nepal can work closely with India's globally proven credentials in this sector with home-grown giants like TCS, Infosys, WIPRO, HCL."

Among others, the Roundtable Discussion was addressed by: Rajeev Kumar Rauniyar, President, NYEF Janakpur Chapter; Chandan Singh, First Vice President, NYEF Birgunj Chapter; Jitendra Mahaseth, Immediate Past President, Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dr Sonu Kumar, Immediate Past President, NYEF Janakpur Chapter & MD, Monastic Education Group; Naveen Kumar Shah, Vice President, NYEF Janakpur Chapter; Jyuar Rahman, Member, NYEF Janakpur Chapter; Suraj Rungta, Executive Member, NYEF Birgunj Chapter; Prakash Shriwastav, Member, NYEF Birgunj Chapter & CEO, Trade Time International; Pramod Goenka, Founder & CEO, Balaji Food & Beverage Udhyog; Amit Kumar Jha, Google Premier Partner (Nepal) & MD, Internet Market Today Pvt Ltd; Ritesh Aryal, Head (Madhesh Province), Nepal SBI Bank Ltd (NSBL); Aashish Jhunjhunwala, Director, Century Times

The Roundtable Discussion on "India-Nepal Cooperation in New Technology & Startups" in Janakpur witnessed the presence of over forty startups and representatives of MSMEs. Remarkably, PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre in collaboration with the "Startup Network Nepal" has been hosting an annual flagship initiative, "Startup Summit Nepal" and its 3rd edition will take place this year on 20 December at Kathmandu. For the same, the startups were encouraged to attend and further create the ground for a robust startup ecosystem in Nepal with strengthened cooperation between India and Nepal in this space as well.