Nepal and India reconvene Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee after three years

KATHMANDU: In a significant diplomatic move, Nepal and India are rekindling collaboration by convening the Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) meeting in Kathmandu on Friday and Saturday, marking the first physical meeting in three years. The last session, conducted virtually on December 3-4, 2020, had been necessitated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IGSC, operating at the joint secretary level, acts as a pivotal mechanism to address various issues related to trade, transit, and the prevention of unauthorized trade between the two neighboring countries.

Although the IGSC meetings are scheduled to occur regularly, this physical gathering after a prolonged hiatus underscores the commitment of both nations to reinforce bilateral ties and resolve trade-related matters.

The discussions within the IGSC meeting serve as a precursor to more comprehensive deliberations in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC), a higher-level mechanism featuring secretaries from both Nepal and India. It is in the IGC where final approvals and decisions are made, making it a crucial platform for advancing collaborative efforts.

The resumption of face-to-face discussions reflects the determination of both nations to address outstanding issues and enhance cooperation through diplomatic channels. Trade, transit, and economic cooperation have been focal points in these discussions, aiming to bolster economic ties and ensure smoother cross-border activities.

The IGSC meeting carries the potential to pave the way for constructive dialogue on various fronts, contributing to the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations between Nepal and India.

As both countries navigate evolving regional dynamics, these engagements become increasingly pivotal in fostering mutual understanding and collaborative solutions to shared challenges.