CAN Federation unveils Nepal–India digital corridor framework

KATHMANDU: Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) has unveiled the conceptual framework for the Nepal–India Digital Corridor, a regional initiative designed to strengthen digital cooperation, accelerate innovation and position Nepal and India as leading digital hubs in South Asia.

The framework was developed under the leadership of Chiranjibi Adhikari, senior vice president of CAN Federation and an ICT policy expert. Adhikari’s decades‑long contribution to Nepal’s digital ecosystem — including policy drafting, digital governance frameworks, national ICT advocacy and industry development — played a central role in shaping the initiative.

The corridor aligns Nepal’s IT Decade (2024–2034) with India’s global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The vision emphasises creating a resilient, integrated and innovation‑driven regional digital ecosystem focused on shared growth and prosperity.

Key components of the framework include cross‑border fintech expansion leveraging UPI–Nepal interoperability for instant, secure and low‑cost transactions; startup and innovation cooperation to boost incubation, venture capital access and joint product development; and talent mobility with mutual recognition of training, certifications and ICT qualifications.

The plan also calls for enhanced cybersecurity collaboration through real‑time threat intelligence exchange between npCert and CERT‑In and joint cybersecurity drills; AI and research partnerships for Nepali language models and collaborative R&D between Indian and Nepali institutions; priority investment in Tier‑3 data centres, fibre‑optic redundancy and cloud‑ready infrastructure in Nepal; and policy harmonisation on data protection, digital identity and e‑commerce to facilitate cross‑border digital trade.

Can Federation Senior Vice President Adhikari said, “The Nepal–India Digital Corridor is not just a technological initiative — it is a shared economic vision. Our goal is to create a seamless digital ecosystem where innovation thrives, opportunities expand, and Nepal positions itself as a global IT outsourcing and innovation hub. Together, Nepal and India can build a digital future that benefits millions.”

CAN Federation said the corridor will support Nepal’s target of generating 1.5 million IT jobs and achieving $3 billion in IT service exports, while deepening collaboration with India across fintech, cybersecurity, AI and digital governance.

Established in 1992, CAN Federation is Nepal’s largest ICT umbrella organisation, representing professionals, students, start‑ups and ICT enterprises across all seven provinces and 74 districts. The body has been instrumental in drafting the country’s first IT policy, initiating National ICT Day and guiding major digital transformation strategies.