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Over the past few months, Nepal and India have intensified bilateral engagement, yielding tangible progress in economic and development partnerships. Although Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to New Delhi remains uncertain, a series of ministerial meetings and bilateral mechanism discussions have taken place. Within two weeks, two senior ministers from Narendra Modi’s cabinet visited Nepal and met with Prime Minister Oli.

The past month witnessed a flurry of diplomatic activity, with three Nepali ministers traveling to India for meetings with their Indian counterparts. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba engaged in comprehensive bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, focusing on enhancing political and economic collaboration. Meanwhile, Forest Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri met with India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, to discuss transboundary environmental conservation and sustainable forestry initiatives.

Another significant development occurred during Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav’s visit to New Delhi, where he met India’s Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. The two leaders signed a landmark agreement to expand cooperation in water resource management, sanitation and hygiene—an area of critical importance for both nations. This agreement is expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing, infrastructure development and joint projects to address water scarcity and improve public health outcomes.

Indian Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar is currently in Nepal for a two-day official visit. According to Indian officials, the trip aimed to advance discussions on key power projects of mutual interest, including cross-border electricity trade and hydropower development. 

Over the past few years, energy cooperation between Nepal and India has seen remarkable progress, with Nepal exporting surplus hydropower to India and Indian firms investing in Nepal’s hydroelectric projects. This growing synergy in the power sector is expected to bolster Nepal’s energy independence while supporting India’s renewable energy goals.

Early this month, Nepal and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural science and technology. The agreement, which replaces a 1991 pact, covers a wide range of areas, including agricultural production, crop management, trade and marketing. Nepal’s Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari and India’s Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, formalized the deal, which is expected to enhance food security, boost farmer incomes and promote sustainable farming practices through joint research and technology transfer.

In late March, the Nepal-India Joint Working Group convened to address critical border management issues. The discussions centered on curbing cross-border crime, improving border infrastructure—such as Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), roads and railway networks—and enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies. Both sides also explored collaborative measures for disaster risk reduction and management, recognizing the shared vulnerabilities to natural calamities like floods and earthquakes.

Further reinforcing security and trade ties, the two countries held the 21st Director General-level talks this month, focusing on measures to streamline cross-border commerce and combat smuggling. These discussions are crucial for ensuring smooth trade flows, particularly given Nepal’s reliance on Indian ports for third-country trade.

Despite the positive trajectory in bilateral relations, certain contentious issues remain unresolved. Nepal has persistently raised concerns over the delayed implementation of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report and lingering border disputes, particularly in regions like Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. India, however, maintains that these matters should be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms rather than public posturing.

Recently, India’s Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated this stance during a weekly press briefing, stating, “We have a bilateral mechanism with Nepal to discuss these issues. Unilateral actions do not alter ground realities.”

While Prime Minister Oli’s visit to New Delhi remains uncertain, he has met with his Indian counterpart Modi on two occasions—first on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2024 and again during the BIMSTEC summit early this month. These interactions suggest a willingness to maintain dialogue despite political sensitivities.

However, a new point of friction emerged last month when reports surfaced alleging India’s tacit support for Nepal’s pro-monarchy movement. India swiftly denied these claims, but the episode highlights the delicate nature of Nepal’s domestic politics and its implications for bilateral relations. Additionally, some analysts speculate that India may view Nepal’s growing engagement with China—particularly its participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—with caution.

Foreign policy experts say that despite occasional political tensions, India has adopted a pragmatic approach by prioritizing economic and developmental partnerships with Nepal. This strategy aims to insulate mutually beneficial projects from geopolitical fluctuations while gradually addressing contentious issues through diplomatic channels.

At least 26 people have been killed, including foreign tourists, after terrorists struck a prime tourist  location of Pahalgam in South Kashmir on tuesday. As stated by The Hindu, the attackers are suspected to be from The Resistance Front (TRF).

Gunmen emerged from nearby forests and fired indiscriminately, causing panic. The remote location hindered rescue efforts, though locals and security forces assisted in evacuations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, while Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar to oversee the response. A helpline has been established for affected families, according to The Hindu.

Political leaders, including Omar Abdullah, Priyanka Gandhi, and Rajnath Singh, denounced the incident, calling it unprecedented and cowardly. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed solidarity with India. 

Authorities have launched a manhunt and promised heightened security in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, according to the Firstpost.

Prior to his first visit to Jeddah, Modi declared, "India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years." He added both the countries  are mutually dedicated in promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, Firstpost reported.

This is PM Modi’s third visit since taking over the office in 2014.

India and the United States are making steady progress toward a bilateral trade agreement, according to official statements following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi, BBC reported.

Vance, on a four-day visit to India with his family, met Modi on Monday evening. The leaders discussed a range of key issues, including trade, defence, strategic technologies, and energy cooperation. A dinner was hosted by the Prime Minister in honor of Vance and his family.

“We are committed to mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, technology, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges,” Modi said in a post on X, according to BBC.

The visit comes as India wants to reach a trade agreement with the United States before President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff truce expires on July 9. Prior to the halt, India faced potential tariffs of up to 27%.

Modi also expressed anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming visit to India, expected later this year during the Quad summit in Delhi.

Three Indian and two Chinese students have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration officials, accusing them of “unilaterally terminating the F-1 student status of hundreds, if not thousands, of international students."

According to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) before the US District Court in New Hampshire, the “unilateral and unlawful termination” of F-1 status of the petitioners have put them out of lawful student status, The Hindustan Times reported.

The lawsuit alleged that the students are not only facing immigration detention and deportation, but also going through “severe financial and academic hardship.”

The students have alleged that they are not able to obtain their degrees and work in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme after graduation.

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in India's capital, where he is scheduled to meet with PM Narendra Modi amid global trade concerns fueled by Washington's tariff policies.

The discussions are likely to focus on expediting a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement between the two countries, according to BBC.

Vance is also anticipated to join his family on a sightseeing tour to Agra and Jaipur.

His visit comes as countries across the world scramble to reach a trade agreement before US President Donald Trump's 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs expires on July 9.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Elon Musk about potential collaboration in "technology and innovation." Modi shared details of the conversation on X, revisiting earlier discussions from their Washington meeting, BBC reported.

The talk comes as India seeks to finalize a bilateral trade agreement with the US to counteract potential tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. It also precedes the upcoming visit of US Vice-President JD Vance to India.

Musk, associated with Trump and leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is aiming to expand his business in India. His company Starlink signed an agreement with major Indian telecom firms to deliver satellite internet and is awaiting government approval to launch services, according to BBC.

The dialogue follows Trump's announcement of a 27% tariff on Indian goods, which has since been paused, prompting ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.

India has said that its decision to withdraw the transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh would not affect Bangladesh’s exports to Nepal and Bhutan. In a weekly press conference, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson at the  Ministry of External Affairs said decisions would not affect  regional integration and trade.

We do have that in mind that regional trade needs to be promoted, he said, so that how I would look at India-Bangladesh ties.  Last week, India revoked the transshipment facility it granted to Bangladesh, meaning Bangladesh can no longer export goods to third countries through Indian ports and airports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Oslo on May 15-16 to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit.

The summit will bring together leaders from all five Nordic countries—Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland—to focus on increasing collaboration in areas such as trade, innovation, green energy, climate change, and the blue economy, according to the Firstpost.

Geopolitical topics are expected to dominate discussions, including global peace and security and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Prior to this engagement, PM Modi held a conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, during which they deliberated on both bilateral and international matters, Firstpost reported.

The Indian government said in a statement that the leaders recognized the value of high-level interactions since the Green Strategic Partnership's launch in 2020. They noted the expansion of this partnership across various sectors, which has facilitated Danish investments in India's green transition, while also addressing regional and global concerns of mutual interest.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, also naming Congress leader Sam Pitroda and others, ANI reported.

The chargesheet has been submitted under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.The matter will be heard in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25, concerning arguments on cognizance. 

Special Judge Vishal Gogne noted that the predicate offense, outlined in complaint case No. 18/2019, includes charges under Sections 403, 406, and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and is currently under trial, according to ANI.

The court emphasized that both the predicate offense and the money laundering offense must be adjudicated in the same jurisdiction. This case was initiated following a complaint by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against the Gandhis and their associated companies.

India has reiterated its position that border issues with Nepal will be resolved through bilateral mechanisms. 

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said: “We have a bilateral mechanism with Nepal to discuss these issues.” 

He further said: “Now, when you take some unilateral action, that does not mean that the situation on the ground will change or the reality will change.” 

So what is how we look these border issues that you pointed out, he said. The spokesperson was responding to a question asked whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and KP Sharma Oli during their meeting in Thailand discussed the border issues

Apple is shifting more of its iPhone shipments to the US from India in an effort to navigate the financial shockwaves caused by a fresh round of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

The computer giant's stock has dropped 19% in three trading days, the largest decline in over 25 years, due to investor concern about rising costs from new tariffs on Chinese imports, according to Firstpost.

With tariffs of up to 54% on Chinese shipments, Apple has turned to India, where the equivalent rate is 26%. The move is intended as a short-term hedge while Apple seeks tariff exemptions, but the company has not yet overhauled its China-centric manufacturing network, which is still critical to its worldwide supply chain, Firstpost reported.

The U.S. slapped a 26% reciprocal tariff on India in a setback to the South Asian country's expectation of getting relief from President Donald Trump's global trade policy that has unnerved world markets for weeks, Reuters reported.

The reciprocal tariff will be effective from April 9, according to a statement from the White House.

Trump's Wednesday announcement on India was part of his wider plan to impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports from April 5 and higher duties on certain other countries including 34% on China and 46% on Vietnam.

"They (India) are charging us 52% and we charge almost nothing for years and years and decades," Trump said at the White House while announcing the reciprocal tax.

The duty of 26% was based on tariff and non-tariff barriers including currency manipulation, the Trump administration said.

India imposed "uniquely burdensome" non-tariff barriers, the removal of which will increase U.S. exports by at least $5.3 billion annually, the White House said in a statement, according to Reuters.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with neighboring countries through a consultative, non-reciprocal, and results-oriented approach. Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasized in a statement to the Lok Sabha that India’s neighborhood policy is guided by the core principles of Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity). These principles shape India’s engagements, ensuring that partnerships are built on mutual trust and shared progress.

India’s development assistance and capacity-building initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of neighboring nations, supporting their long-term economic growth. The minister highlighted that India’s contributions range from large-scale infrastructure projects to community-driven development, including financial, technical, and humanitarian aid. This multifaceted approach underscores India’s role as a reliable partner in fostering regional stability and prosperity.

In Nepal, India’s cooperation focuses on enhancing connectivity, economic collaboration, and energy and digital infrastructure, alongside cultural exchanges. A key component of this partnership is the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), which have delivered critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water and sanitation facilities. While the initiative faced some challenges last year, it has since moved forward smoothly. Originally launched in 2003 as a modest program, HICDP was expanded and rebranded in 2024 to maximize its developmental impact.

With the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) remaining inactive, India has prioritized the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) as a more dynamic platform for regional collaboration. Margherita described BIMSTEC as a strategic convergence of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, Act East policy, and the SAGAR vision, which emphasizes security and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific. Through BIMSTEC, India is deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, security, connectivity, and digital innovation, while also promoting partnerships in health, education, and people-to-people ties. 

The upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for April 3-4 in Thailand, is expected to produce a vision statement outlining future regional cooperation. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has already left for Thailand to attend the summit, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also set to participate.

Margherita reiterated that India’s Neighborhood First policy is widely appreciated by partner countries, ensuring the continuity of assistance programs even amid political changes. She stressed that India’s relationships with its neighbors stand independently of their ties with other nations, reflecting the depth and resilience of these bilateral connections.

On national security, the minister affirmed that India remains vigilant, closely monitoring regional developments to safeguard its interests. He expressed confidence in the enduring strength of India’s partnerships and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing mutual benefits while protecting its strategic priorities in the region.

The 13th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Working Group (JWG) on Border Management (BM) was held in Pokhara, Nepal on March 27-28.

In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the decisions taken in the last JWG on BM that took place in New Delhi on 15-16 June 2022, particularly with respect to repair and maintenance of border pillars.

They also deliberated on issues related to trans-border criminal activities; strengthening of border infrastructure particularly ICPs, roads and railway-network; empowerment and capacity building of various security-related institutions; and ways to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management.

The JWG on BM also reviewed progress on concluding the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and the working of Border District Coordination Committee (BDCC) between the two sides.

The two sides agreed to ensure that the meetings of the JWG on BM are held regularly.

The Indian delegation extended an invitation to the Nepali delegation for the next JWG on BM to be held in India next year. Mihir Kumar, joint-secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, led the Indian delegation while Ramchandra Tiwari, joint-secretary (Security and Coordination), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal, led the Nepali side. 

Four Nepalis died when a Scorpio Jeep heading towards India from Tulsipur of Dang for a pilgrimage met with an accident in India on Thursday.

The ill-fated four wheeler (UP 31 AC 7200) was en route to India from Tulsipur for pilgrimage when the tragedy occurred at Bahraich.

According to Ram Bahadur GC, Chairman of Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-7, it has been reported that four persons including the driver Yuvaraj Chapagain (37) of Parseni, Tulsipur-7 died in the road accident in India.

The identities of three others are yet to be ascertained, he said.

There were nine people on the jeep.