Kathmandu, Dec. 10: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, organized the first India-Nepal Tourism Meet on Tuesday. The event aimed to promote the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and establish B2B connections to foster circuit tourism between India and Nepal.

The session was inaugurated by Nepal’s Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Arun Kumar Chaudhary. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted India as Nepal’s largest source of foreign tourists. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of cross-border tourism, especially through land routes, and stressed improving connectivity in remote areas like Sudurpaschim Province.

Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, spoke about the growing physical and digital connectivity between the two nations and the need for continued collaboration to promote religious and cultural tourism, particularly linking Nepal with neighboring Indian states.

The Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, presented preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025, highlighting its cultural significance for both Sanatanis and those wishing to experience Prayagraj’s spiritual heritage.

The event concluded with a captivating Kathak dance performance by an eight-member troupe from India, supported by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The B2B segment of the meet featured 13 Indian delegates and 60 Nepalese tour operators, who discussed travel plans focusing on cross-border tourism, especially along the Ramayana and Buddhist circuits.