India and Nepal will host the second edition of the bilateral trade festival in New Delhi from February 20–22, aiming to expand commerce, investment and cultural ties.
The second edition of the India-Nepal Trade Festival will take place in New Delhi from February 20 to 22, 2026, with a focus on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, boosting cross-border trade and addressing long-standing trade imbalances. Organisers say the platform will bring together government representatives, business leaders and cultural stakeholders to reinforce the multifaceted partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
The event is being organised by the Everest Chamber of Commerce and Industries and will be hosted at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Announcing the event at a briefing held at the Press Club of India, ECCI General Secretary Mohan Karki and President Yubraj Baral outlined the broader objectives of the festival, describing it as a long-term initiative to promote balanced trade and sustained economic collaboration.
India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural and economic ties underpinned by an open border and strong people-to-people connections. Bilateral trade has grown consistently over the years, but concerns over a widening trade deficit remain central to economic discussions. Organisers said the festival aims to explore practical measures to diversify exports, encourage investments and facilitate greater participation of small and medium enterprises from both countries.
Several senior dignitaries are expected to attend the festival as chief guests, including Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia and Nepalese minister Anil Kumar Sinha. Their participation is expected to signal strong governmental backing for deeper economic engagement.
The three-day festival will feature sector-specific exhibitions showcasing products from handicrafts, textiles, agriculture, tourism services and emerging industries. Business-to-business meetings, interactive sessions and networking forums will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to explore partnerships. Industry representatives believe such platforms help translate policy intent into tangible commercial outcomes.
Beyond commerce, the event will also emphasise cultural cooperation. On the opening day, the film “Gurkha Warriors” will be screened, highlighting the shared legacy associated with the Gurkha community and reinforcing historical ties between India and Nepal. Cultural performances and exchanges are expected to complement business discussions, reflecting the broader civilisational bond between the two nations.
Organisers noted that the second edition builds upon the success of the inaugural festival, which had seen participation from business delegations, trade bodies and policymakers. This year’s edition aims to expand participation and institutionalise the festival as a recurring bilateral platform.
With growing regional economic integration and evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, initiatives such as the India-Nepal Trade Festival are being seen as important confidence-building measures. By combining trade promotion with cultural diplomacy, the festival seeks to strengthen cooperation across multiple dimensions while encouraging balanced and sustainable economic growth.
