The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has welcomed the decision of the governments of Nepal and India to permit the use of Indian currency notes of Rs200 and Rs500 within Nepal.

In a statement, NICCI said the move reflects the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two neighbours and is expected to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism and people-to-people movement.

The chamber noted that the availability of commonly used Indian currency denominations will ease financial transactions, particularly in border areas and major commercial centres. Welcoming the decision, NICCI President Sunil KC said it would play an important role in strengthening bilateral tourism.

“The allowance of Rs200 and Rs500 Indian currency notes will make travel more convenient for Indian tourists visiting Nepal and encourage greater tourism flows between the two countries,” he said. 

Under the recent government decision, Nepali and Indian citizens can now carry up to INR 25,000 in cash in denominations of Rs200 and Rs500 while crossing the border, a move aimed at easing cross-border transactions.