India To Lead Agricultural Cooperation Talks At BIMSTEC Ministerial Meet In Nepal

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will represent India at the third BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 9, 2025.

Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand will also participate in the discussions.

Focus On Agricultural Collaboration

The primary objective of this multilateral summit is to enhance cooperation in agriculture among BIMSTEC nations.

The ministers will review ongoing projects and explore new areas of collaboration, including the adoption of innovative farming technologies, sharing of best practices, and boosting regional food security.

Union Minister Chouhan will highlight India’s agricultural advancements and policy reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s participation underscores its commitment to regional development through its ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighborhood First’ policies.

India’s Regional Leadership

The Indian delegation aims to showcase the country’s scientific and technological achievements in the agricultural sector.

With a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and farmer welfare, India will present models that could benefit millions of farmers across the BIMSTEC region.

The meeting, hosted by the Government of Nepal, is expected to lay the groundwork for increased collaboration in areas such as climate-resilient farming, agri-tech innovation, and rural development.

Bilateral Engagements In Nepal

During his visit, Minister Chouhan will also hold high-level bilateral meetings.

He will meet the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri KP Sharma Oli, and the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Shri Ram Nath Adhikari.

Both sides are likely to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen agricultural cooperation.

Additionally, the Indian minister will meet his counterpart from Bhutan, Shri Uten Phuntsho, to explore further bilateral partnerships in farming and livestock development.

A key part of Chouhan’s itinerary also includes a meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary General Shri Indramani Pandey to discuss expanding India’s role in regional agricultural initiatives.

The Kathmandu meeting promises to mark a turning point in BIMSTEC agricultural engagement.

India’s leadership in this forum signals its proactive role in driving innovation and food security in South and Southeast Asia, reaffirming its strategic vision for regional prosperity through collaborative growth in agriculture.

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