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Sitharaman holds talks with Nepal FM on flood aid, economic ties

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with her Nepalese counterpart Barsha Man Pun Wagle to discuss recovery efforts following recent floods and measures to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.

LSN India · 17 September 2026

Sitharaman holds talks with Nepal FM on flood aid, economic ties

The meeting between Sitharaman and Wagle centred on India's support for Nepal's flood recovery operations, reflecting New Delhi's commitment to assisting its Himalayan neighbour during the natural disaster aftermath. The two finance ministers explored ways to reinforce economic ties between India and Nepal, focusing on joint initiatives that would bolster trade and investment flows.

Connectivity emerged as a key discussion point, with both officials emphasising the importance of improved infrastructure linkages in facilitating deeper bilateral trade relations. Enhanced transportation and communication networks are seen as critical enablers for expanding commercial exchanges and strengthening the economic relationship between the two countries.

Beyond formal economic measures, the finance ministers underscored the significance of people-to-people exchanges in fostering long-term bilateral bonds. The discussions reflected both nations' commitment to building a comprehensive partnership that extends beyond government-to-government engagement.

The meeting underscores India's role as a key development partner for Nepal while simultaneously advancing mutual economic interests. Such high-level engagement typically paves the way for follow-up technical discussions on specific areas of cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure development.