India and Nepal Hold Business Dialogue in Siliguri to Boost Bilateral Trade

Business leaders and policymakers from Nepal and India gathered in Siliguri on June 16 for a high‑level bilateral dialogue aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between eastern Nepal and West Bengal. Organized by the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the meeting focused on practical policy measures to expand trade and investment, with emphasis on sectors such as tourism, healthcare, education, hydropower, agriculture, manufacturing and special economic zones. Participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Nepal‑West Bengal economic corridor and called for regular dialogues to translate discussions into concrete partnerships.

The forum featured remarks from officials including the Vice President of the Nepal‑India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the CII North Bengal Zonal Council chairman, and a Member of Parliament, all underscoring the potential for increased cross‑border commerce and the role of Siliguri as a regional gateway linking Nepal, India's northeast, Bhutan and Bangladesh.