Fri Dec 20 17:43:29 UTC 2024: ## Nepal Urges India to Utilize New Airports, Boost Tourism
**New Delhi, December 20, 2024** – Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Deuba, has called on Indian private airlines to begin operating flights to Lumbini’s newly opened international airport. Speaking at the Indo-Nepal Economic Conference in Kathmandu, Ms. Deuba emphasized the need for India to leverage Nepal’s improved infrastructure, particularly the new airports in Lumbini and Pokhara, to boost joint tourism initiatives.
Ms. Deuba proposed collaborative promotion of religious and cultural tourism, focusing on the Ramayan and Buddhist circuits. She highlighted the significance of these airports, noting their role in showcasing Nepal’s spiritual and cultural heritage and the contribution of Chinese support to their development.
The Minister’s visit, described as “unofficial,” followed Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s recent trip to China – his first overseas visit since assuming office in July. While Mr. Oli’s visit to China sparked official attention in India, particularly following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, Ms. Deuba stated that Mr. Oli’s visit to India would depend on an invitation from the Indian government.
Beyond tourism, Ms. Deuba urged India, Nepal’s largest investor, to increase investment in upskilling the Nepalese workforce across various sectors. She also acknowledged the recent tripartite power deal between India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, enabling Nepal to export electricity to Bangladesh via the Indian grid.
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