Nepal Finance Minister Wagle Meets Jaishankar to Discuss Post-Flood Recovery and Economic Ties
On September 18, 2026, Nepalese Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle met with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi to discuss bilateral economic cooperation, post-flood recovery, and regional connectivity. According to the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, the discussions focus on strengthening ties following severe flash floods in the Himalayan country.
Bilateral Talks Prioritize Post-Flood Recovery and Economic Ties
Wagle expressed formal gratitude to the Government of India for providing swift humanitarian aid and emergency relief supplies following a devastating flash flood in Rasuwa.
India responded to the crisis by dispatching approximately 95 tonnes of aid material, disaster relief supplies, and specialized personnel. The deployment included tunnel rescue specialists, forensic experts, and a five-member medical team to assist local authorities on the ground.
Expanding Cooperation in Energy, Investment, and Infrastructure
Beyond immediate disaster management, the discussions between Dr. Wagle and Minister Jaishankar targeted structural economic growth. Both sides evaluated avenues to deepen long-standing bilateral cooperation across energy sectors, cross-border connectivity, and private investment portfolios.
Earlier in the itinerary, Wagle held strategic discussions with Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to review ongoing bilateral economic interests.
Smoothing Diplomatic Channels Ahead of High-Level Visits
The current diplomatic momentum builds on earlier outreach in June, when top leaders from Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), including Rabi Lamichhane, visited New Delhi and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.