India

Nepali pharmaceutical manufacturers are urging the government to restrict imports of foreign medicines, particularly those already produced domestically, to protect the struggling local industry. They advocate for policies that prioritize internal production and suggest importing only raw materials for medicines manufactured in Nepal. The industry claims that competition from cheaper imported drugs has led to factory closures and underutilization of production capacity.

Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States met in New Delhi to announce new initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security and strengthening critical mineral supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the Quad partnership is a cornerstone of U.S. global strategy, highlighting cooperation on surveillance, critical minerals, and energy security.

Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to both India and China regarding the use of the Lipulekh Pass, with India responding promptly while China has remained silent. The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is awaiting a response from Beijing to clarify its position on the disputed territory, which has been a point of contention based on historical treaties and border definitions.

Nepal's smartphone imports have surpassed the total value of the previous fiscal year within the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025/26, reaching Rs. 39.39 billion. This surge, driven by increased demand for higher-priced devices and currency depreciation, has also led to a significant rise in customs revenue.

Nepal is set to begin its SAFF Women's Championship campaign with an opening match against Bhutan in Goa, India. The team aims for a strong start in the regional tournament, having reached the final in six of the seven previous editions but still seeking their first title.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to reinforce strategic and economic ties, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The discussions focused on cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and maritime security, with Rubio expressing optimism about a broader trade deal and India's role as a key strategic partner.

Nepal has sent protest letters to India and China regarding the Lipulekh Pass, asserting that the territory belongs to Nepal and neither country has the right to use it without agreement. The dispute was reignited when India announced plans to resume a pilgrimage route through the pass, a move Nepal claims was made without consultation. India maintains that pilgrims have used the route since 1954 and disputes Nepal's claim.

The Nepali national volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan in the ongoing Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women's Volleyball Championship held in Kathmandu. This win significantly improves Nepal's chances of advancing to the semifinals after an earlier loss to India.

The Embassy of Nepal has shared a Regional White Paper on AI in Governance in South Asia, developed in collaboration with Humber Polytechnic. This paper, resulting from consultations with government, academia, industry, and technical experts from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, explores how Artificial Intelligence can enhance responsible and effective governance.

India's state-run fuel companies have increased petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in 10 days, citing strains on supply due to the Middle East war. Automobile fuel prices have risen by approximately five percent since the conflict began, impacting India's significant reliance on crude oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz.