Kathmandu – India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, concluded his official visit to Nepal from May 14 to 16, 2025 (Jestha 1–3, 2082 B.S.).
Minister Yadav visited Kathmandu to participate in the inaugural edition of the “Sagarmatha Dialogue 2025,” organized by the Government of Nepal. The dialogue, held from May 15 to 17 (Jestha 2–4), focused on the theme “Climate Change, the Himalayas, and the Future of Humanity.”
Established by the Government of Nepal, the Sagarmatha Dialogue serves as a global platform for discussions on issues of international, regional, and national significance. Representing India at the opening ceremony, Minister Yadav reiterated India’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate action, particularly within the South Asian region.
High-level meetings
During his visit, Minister Yadav held a bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment. The two sides reviewed progress on existing bilateral and regional environmental initiatives and explored avenues for future collaboration. Minister Yadav also met with Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, to further discuss strengthening India–Nepal cooperation in the areas of environment and climate change.
On May 15, the Indian Minister paid a courtesy call on Nepal’s Prime Minister, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. He conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government of India and congratulated Nepal on the successful hosting of the first Sagarmatha Dialogue. Both leaders emphasized the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilizational ties between the two nations and discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in environmental protection.
As part of his visit, Minister Yadav also toured two significant cultural reconstruction projects near Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur—Adalat Bhawan (the Court Building) and Shri Jeshtha Varna Mahavihar. These are among 30 cultural heritage sites being restored with support from the Government of India following the devastating 2015 earthquake.
The visit of India’s Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister has reinforced the tradition of high-level exchanges between the two countries and further strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation, particularly in the fields of environmental conservation and climate action.
