The Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) hosted the Nepal-India Think Tank Forum on Regional Resilience on Tuesday, bringing together senior experts from major think tanks in India and Nepal to discuss security cooperation and bilateral ties.

Taking part in the discussion, Sanjay Jasjit Singh, director general of the United Service Institution of India, noted that “Nepalese courage and valour have been at the forefront of Indian military strength and national security.” He highlighted that the Agniveer scheme is open to Nepali citizens on par with Indians, describing it as an opportunity to invest in disciplined and motivated youth that strengthens society.

Pankaj Saran, former national security advisor of India, said that he had been impressed by interactions with Nepali youth and stressed the importance of engagement between the young generations of both countries to shape the future of Nepal–India relations.

Alok Bansal of India Foundation underscored the impact of cross-border terrorism on both nations, while Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal of Jawaharlal Nehru University emphasised the role of think tanks and academic centres in fostering bilateral cooperation, calling for greater institutional collaboration supported by both governments.

Gaurav Saini, co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, highlighted shared security challenges along the India–Nepal border, including human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and counterfeit currency, citing a recent seizure of counterfeit Nepali currency by Bihar Police.

Political and security analyst Binoj Basnyat reflected on Nepal’s Gen Z demonstrations, describing the post-election period as a “strategic pause rather than a strategic solution.” He warned that elections alone may not ensure long-term stability without generational renewal and institutional reform.

Anurag Acharya, director of Policy Entrepreneurs Incorporated (PEI), highlighted progress in physical connectivity, trade, and digital links while identifying new opportunities in technology integration, cultural tourism, and sports that could further strengthen the bilateral economy.

Bibek Dhoj Thapa of NIICE called for Nepal–India cooperation to focus on the rising youth population and shared challenges such as water resource management, climate change, and security. He proposed initiatives like India–Nepal Youth Climate Fellowships and expanded soft-power engagement to deepen collaboration.

NIICE Director Sumitra Karki stressed the importance of academic and policy engagement in fostering bilateral understanding, urging both governments to promote Nepal studies in India and India studies in Nepal to support knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation.