Nepal’s Minister for Commerce, Industry and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha met his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyel at Commerce House, New Delhi on Thursday. Minister Sinha is currently in Delhi in connection with his visit to India to attend the 30th Partnership Summit 2025 in Vishakhapatnam being organized from November 14 and 15.
During the meeting a Letter of Exchange relating to transit agreement was signed between the two countries with revised protocols in the presence of the two ministers, according to the secretariat of minister Sinha.
Under this Nepal will get the facility for the movement of all types of cargo between Kolkota or Vishakhapatnam and Bhairahawa via Jogbani and Nautanwa through both railway and road-way. Earlier, there was a provision to transport four types of bulk goods only through these routes. This new provision will reduce cost and facilitate easy movement of goods between the two countries, sources close to minister Sinha said.
“Glad to announce signing of the letter of exchange between India and Nepal that will boost rail trade connectivity between the two nations,” Indian minister Goyal wrote in social media. This will facilitate the movement of rail based freight and strengthen multi modal trade connectivity between both countries, further consolidating our economic and commercial lineages.”
“The deal was inked following my bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Minister for Industry Commerce and Supplies Mr. Anil K. Sinha,” Goyal wrote.
During the meeting the two commerce ministers also held extensive discussion on bilateral trade between Nepal and India, transit management, trade infrastructure development and investment promotion among others. On the occasion minister Sinha stressed on conclusion of matters relating to simplifying certification of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for further improvement and facilitation on trade and transit which are under discussion,” reads a statement issued by Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Supplies. Minister Sinha on the occasion praised India’s neighbourhood first policy and underscored the need for intensifying coordination and collaboration between the two countries for improvements in trade and transit as well as promoting investment.
During the meeting Indian Commerce Minister Goyal mentioning that India accords special priority to Nepal, drew attention of the officials of both the countries to conclude issues that are under discussion and unresolved matters,” said the statement.
Minister Sinha is scheduled to attend the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 that is being held from November 14 to 15 in Vishakhapatnam.
