Nepal, India Agree to Implement Cross-Border Digital Payments and Expand AI Cooperation

Kathmandu. Nepal and India have agreed to fully implement cross-border digital payment services, making it easier for citizens of both countries to transfer money and make person-to-person (P2P) payments across the border.

The agreement was reached during high-level bilateral talks between Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Saturday.

According to the agreement, the two countries will move forward with the full implementation of the cross-border P2P payment system under the existing partnership between Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Nepal and India had signed an agreement on cross-border digital payments in June 2023. Following that arrangement, Indian tourists have been able to make digital payments in Nepal. However, Nepali citizens have not yet been able to use the system for payments in India.

The latest agreement aims to address that gap by linking India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Nepal's National Payments Interface (NPI). Officials say the integration will enable citizens of both countries to send digital payments and personal remittances in a more convenient, accessible, and secure manner.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure development. India will provide technical assistance for the development of Nepal's AI platform.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kathmandu University and India's Digital India BHASHINI Division to support the development of a voice-first language translation platform and national digital infrastructure in Nepal.

Officials believe the collaboration will promote the adoption of AI technologies and improve digital access in local languages.

During the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar described Nepal-India relations as special and unique, saying the partnership is built on trust and mutual benefit.

“We are eager to collaborate in emerging sectors such as startups, artificial intelligence, information technology, and renewable energy,” he said, adding that India remains committed to Nepal's progress and prosperity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

The two ministers also held discussions on trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, particularly hydropower, education, health, disaster management, and sports. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation while maintaining the security of the open border between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Khanal is scheduled to conclude his visit and return to Kathmandu on June 7, 2026.

 

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