India‑Nepal Talks Center on Rebuilding After August Floods

KATHMANDU (Sept 16) – Nepal's finance chief Swarnim Wagle arrives in India for a three‑day visit aimed at mobilising resources for flood‑hit regions. The key discussion point will be Indian assistance for the reconstruction of roads, bridges, schools and hydro‑electric installations damaged by the deadly monsoon floods of late August.

According to a rapid disaster needs assessment, the physical damage stands at NPR 274.48 billion, while total economic loss tops NPR 408.28 billion. The Nepalese government estimates that more than NPR 723 billion will be required to fully restore the affected infrastructure.

Wagle will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He will also join a round‑table hosted by former Indian ambassador Shyam Saran, featuring diplomatic and security experts.

The itinerary includes a speech at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event where Wagle will outline Nepal's investment incentives, followed by a presentation at the Delhi School of Economics on the country's development strategy.