Nepali strategic expert Bibek Raj Kandel has underscored the immense potential for trilateral cooperation among India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. He emphasized that deeper collaboration in energy, trade, and connectivity could foster a more integrated regional marketplace and drive shared prosperity.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Speaking to ANI, Kandel, a strategic expert at Nepal Foundation and an AsiaGlobal Fellow at the University of Hong Kong, argued that countries in the region can no longer afford isolation. He stressed the need to build partnerships based on mutual economic benefits.
Energy Sector Opportunities
Kandel highlighted that Nepal's surplus clean energy could support industrial growth in Bangladesh, while India could benefit as a transit country. He stated, "Nepal's clean energy surplus can be a big incentive for industries in Bangladesh. India, as a transit country, can monetise its transit infrastructure."
Tourism and Connectivity
The expert also pointed to tourism as a promising area for trilateral cooperation, emphasizing improved connectivity and easier movement of people. He noted that flights are quickly filling up, indicating high demand that remains unaddressed. Kandel urged states to facilitate travel and business links, warning that without such facilitation, economic diplomacy would remain idealistic.
Shared Economic Incentives
Kandel stressed that regional cooperation must be driven by tangible economic gains. He said, "We should not expect any state to operate just out of altruism. There has to be an economic incentive. There has to be a shared stake in whatever we do together."
Fresh Mandates in Nepal and Bangladesh
Noting that both Nepal and Bangladesh are led by governments with fresh mandates, Kandel expressed optimism. He urged them to convert popular energy into economic diplomacy and shared prosperity.
Kandel is visiting Bangladesh for the Economic Diplomacy Conference organized by the Foreign Ministry. He concluded, "I see a lot of potential between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. I remain very optimistic that this can really work as a regional marketplace."
