Dehradun (India): The Indo-Nepal International Trade Fair and Tourism Festival 2025 has officially begun in Dehradun, India, with an aim to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nepal and India. The seven-day event was inaugurated on Friday evening by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at a special ceremony.

Jointly organized by the Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nepal) and the Government of Uttarakhand (India), the festival has brought together entrepreneurs from both countries. A total of 50 exhibition stalls from Nepali businesses and 150 from Indian businesses have been set up, showcasing a variety of products and services.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Dhami said the festival plays a vital role in strengthening the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. “This festival will be fruitful in further enhancing the cultural and emotional bonds between Nepal and India,” he remarked. Dhami also announced the extension of operating hours for the bridge at Banbasa, a key transit point along the Nepal-India border. The time limit has been extended from four to seven hours per day, with plans for further expansion in the future.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the trade fair would foster the growth of enterprises in both countries and serve as an important platform to strengthen bilateral economic relations. “We have developed various infrastructures to facilitate trade between Uttarakhand and Nepal, enabling business communities and citizens of both countries to benefit financially,” he said.

Former Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Rajendra Singh Rawal, also spoke at the event, describing the festival as an important foundation for deepening economic relations between Nepal and India.

Similarly, Pitambar Joshi, President of the Kanchanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the event would give a significant boost to trade and tourism between the two countries. “Dehradun has a large population of Nepali speakers, making it a promising market for agricultural products from Nepal,” Joshi said. He added that the festival is expected to encourage more Indian tourists to visit Nepal.

The Indo-Nepal International Trade Fair and Tourism Festival will continue for the next seven days, providing a vibrant platform for business networking and cultural exchange.