Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), H.E. Indra Mani Pandey, undertook an official visit to Nepal from July 28 to 29, 2026, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation and Nepal’s role in advancing the organisation’s agenda.
During the visit, Secretary General Pandey called on Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Shisir Khanal. Their discussions reviewed progress in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, particularly in sectors led by Nepal, including culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums and poverty alleviation.
The two sides also discussed measures to further strengthen regional cooperation and Nepal’s contribution towards achieving BIMSTEC’s objectives. Minister Khanal reiterated the high importance Nepal attaches to BIMSTEC and its regional cooperation initiatives.
The BIMSTEC Secretary General also met Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, H.E. Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganess). They discussed progress in BIMSTEC cooperation in areas including tourism, culture, people-to-people contacts and connectivity. The meeting also highlighted Nepal’s important role in strengthening regional cooperation and the significance of the 30th Anniversary Year of BIMSTEC.
In a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, H.E. Amrit Bahadur Rai, Secretary General Pandey discussed Nepal’s contribution to advancing regional cooperation, particularly in sectors under its leadership. Foreign Secretary Rai reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to BIMSTEC and welcomed key initiatives being pursued to enhance regional cooperation and integration among member states.
As part of his visit, Secretary General Pandey addressed a high-level Policy Dialogue organised by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. The dialogue focused on the evolution of BIMSTEC, its vision and agenda, achievements, and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting regional cooperation and integration.
The event was attended by diplomats from BIMSTEC member states, government officials, academics, policy experts, representatives of think tanks and researchers.
Pandey also delivered a guest lecture at the Department of International Relations of Tribhuvan University, where he interacted with faculty members and students and discussed BIMSTEC’s mission, agenda and its role in promoting regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.
During his visit, the Secretary General met Ms. Philomena Gnanapragasam, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD).
He also gave an interview to Nepal Television, where he shared his views on the evolving international order, the role of regional organisations such as BIMSTEC, and Nepal’s contribution to advancing regional cooperation and connectivity.
Nepal is one of the seven member states of BIMSTEC and leads cooperation in the areas of culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums and poverty alleviation. Nepal joined BIMSTEC as a member in February 2004.
