Nepal–India Tech Forum 2026 promotes regional tech hub vision

NEW DELHI: The Nepal–India Tech Forum 2026 convened in New Delhi on Friday, marking a significant step towards deeper bilateral cooperation in digital innovation, infrastructure and investment. Organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) through its India‑Nepal Centre, the event was supported by the Embassy of Nepal in India and Genese Solution.

Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, served as the chief guest and keynote speaker. He emphasised that technology is the new frontier for collaboration between an aspirational Nepal and a rising India, and highlighted Nepal’s progress from the first IT policy in 2000 to the National AI Policy 2025 and the IT Decade Vision.

Dr Sharma said Nepal’s digital journey has evolved significantly. The government has built Digital Public Infrastructure, including data centres, digital payment systems and citizen platforms, with support from India, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. He noted that Nepal produces over 10,000 ICT graduates annually, though talent retention remains a challenge, with professionals often moving abroad after just two years. He further detailed the FASG Framework—Foundation, Access, Skills and Growth—as a structured roadmap for inclusive digital transformation.

Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, joined as the guest of honour, reinforcing India’s commitment to tech‑driven ties. He noted that the UPI‑Nepal payment integration has already processed over a million transactions since 2024, and said India prioritises sharing its technological capabilities with neighbours, recognising that Global South challenges demand scalable, common solutions.

Manjeev Singh Puri, Chair of the India‑Nepal Centre and former Ambassador to Nepal, highlighted that Nepal’s cultural familiarity and talent in tech hubs such as Bangalore and Hyderabad provide a competitive edge in the AI era. He observed that quality talent and the right ideas level the playing field, regardless of a nation’s size.

Shekhar Golchha, former president of FNCCI and Chairman of Golchha Group, discussed Nepal’s strong macroeconomic indicators, including foreign reserves covering 20 months of imports and low inflation. He proposed a landmark initiative to bridge the job creation gap: if an IIT can open in Dubai, why not an IIT in Kathmandu? He argued an IIT in Nepal would go beyond education to represent 21st‑century integration built on institutions, innovation and intellectual collaboration.

Sushil Gyewali, CEO of Investment Board Nepal (IBN), addressed the forum virtually, inviting AI investors and Indian IT majors to leverage Nepal’s renewable hydropower for clean‑energy digital infrastructure. He emphasised a shift from migration‑driven growth to innovation‑driven employment.

Anand Jha, Vice‑President at Visa Inc, outlined three priorities for the future: regulator‑led cross‑border payment corridors, the adoption of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as a template, and the digitisation of small merchants. He noted that a POS device costs just $8, yet most tourist hubs remain cash‑based, calling this an awareness gap rather than a technology gap.

The forum included a welcome address by Dr Jatinder Singh and a roundtable discussion moderated by Atul K. Thakur. The event featured speakers including Anjani Phuyal of Genese Solution and Dipesh Karki of Lenden Club, alongside experts from finance, education and policy. Notable dignitaries present included Dr Surendra Thapa, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Tara Nath Adhikari, Minister (Economic) from the Embassy of Nepal.

The forum concluded with participants reiterating a shared commitment to deepen Nepal–India cooperation in technology, infrastructure and investment, and to pursue initiatives that position Nepal as a regional centre for innovation and leadership.