KATHMANDU: NDTV World will bring together prominent political, business, diplomatic and cultural voices from India and Nepal for an India-Nepal Dialogue in Kathmandu on August 27.
The event will launch ‘NDTV Anviksha: Ideas Across Borders’, a new global dialogue series examining how countries view themselves, their neighbours and the changing world around them.
The inaugural dialogue will discuss Nepal’s evolving political, economic and social landscape, its relationship with India and its wider role in the region.
Nepal’s participants include Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa and Sumnima Udas, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Tourism. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava will also participate.
Other speakers include Rabi Lamichhane, Founder and Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party; Indian Congress leader and former diplomat Dr Shashi Tharoor; author and India Foundation President Dr Ram Madhav; BJP National Executive Member Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe; and BJP Foreign Affairs In-Charge Dr Vijai Chauthaiwale.
Business leaders joining the dialogue include Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamlesh Agrawal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries President Birendra Raj Pandey and Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President and Surya Nepal Managing Director Gaurav Tayal.
The programme will also feature actress Manisha Koirala, actor and television host Rajesh Hamal and former Nepal cricketer and Cricket Association of Nepal Secretary Paras Khadka.
Focus on Nepal’s economic ambitions
The dialogue will go beyond traditional discussions on India-Nepal relations, with sessions focusing on Nepal’s economic ambitions, entrepreneurship, democratic development and the aspirations of its young population.
Technology, tourism, infrastructure, sustainability, trade and regional cooperation will also feature in the discussions, alongside broader changes taking place across South Asia and Asia.
According to NDTV World, the Anviksha initiative aims to examine countries through their own priorities, challenges and aspirations rather than viewing them primarily through geopolitical or bilateral relationships.
The name ‘Anviksha’ is derived from the ancient Indian concept of anviksiki, referring to understanding through reason, reflection and examination.
NDTV CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal said meaningful international conversations begin when countries move beyond assumptions and listen to how nations see themselves. He described Nepal as a natural and significant starting point for the initiative.
The Kathmandu dialogue will be the first edition of the planned global series, which NDTV World intends to take to other countries and continents.
