India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee Meeting on Trade and Transit
The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade held its meeting at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi on September 16-17, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, while the Nepali delegation was led by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal, Shri Buddha Bahadur Gurung. Senior officials from concerned Ministries and Departments of both countries participated in the meeting.
Comprehensive Trade and Connectivity Discussions
The meeting reviewed a wide range of issues including market access, Customs and trade facilitation, standards, food safety, phytosanitary measures, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, AYUSH products, border infrastructure, and rail and road connectivity. Both sides discussed measures to facilitate greater market access for products of both countries, with specific focus on agricultural products, dairy, food products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and AYUSH products along with standards and phytosanitary requirements.
Customs Cooperation and Trade Facilitation Measures
The discussions included strengthening Customs cooperation through pre-arrival exchange of information, electronic verification of Certificates of Origin, Customs automation and digitalization. The focus was on facilitating legitimate trade while strengthening mechanisms to ensure compliance with applicable rules and prevent misuse of preferential trade arrangements.
Transit Connectivity and Infrastructure Review
Transit and connectivity formed a significant part of the discussions, with both sides reviewing rail and road connectivity, movement of freight, Integrated Check Posts, and land-port infrastructure. The discussions focused on improving utilization of existing infrastructure and addressing operational bottlenecks affecting bilateral and transit trade.
Institutional Cooperation and Future Engagement
Both sides welcomed continued cooperation in standards, food safety, plant quarantine and conformity assessment, including institutional cooperation and capacity-building initiatives. They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between relevant agencies to facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and address issues relating to unauthorized trade and commercial fraud. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close engagement through established institutional mechanisms and pursue time-bound follow-up on issues requiring further technical examination.
Bilateral Trade Context
India remains Nepal's largest trading partner and an important source of investment. The discussions at the IGSC are expected to further strengthen bilateral trade, transit connectivity and economic cooperation between the two countries that share close historical, cultural and economic ties.