The Indo-Nepal Summit, aimed at promoting religious tourism, concluded in Janakpur, emphasizing the need for clear policies, infrastructure development, and stronger bilateral collaboration to enhance the Ramayana Circuit and attract more pilgrims. The event was jointly organized by the Consulate General of India, Birgunj, and the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The summit emphasized the need for clear policies, plans, and programs to enhance religious tourism in Nepal.

Participants highlighted that an increase in tourist arrivals from India and the growth of Nepal’s tourism industry would help strengthen bilateral relations, alleviate poverty, and boost income generation.

Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh noted that the religious and cultural similarities between Nepal and India have fostered the development of religious tourism in both countries. He stressed the importance of encouraging Indian tourists visiting the Janaki Temple in Janakpur to explore other religious destinations across Nepal. Singh also proposed connecting Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara with the Ramayana Circuit and announced plans to conserve the Dugdhamati River to further enhance the significance of the circuit.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that a significant number of Nepalese religious tourists visit Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Babadham, and Benaras in India, contributing substantially to India’s economy. Consul General of India in Birgunj, Devi Sahai Meena, highlighted the deep-rooted religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India and noted that tourists from both nations are eager to visit religious sites in each other's countries.

The event was coordinated by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce State Development Council. Consul General Meena emphasized the need for both countries to work seriously toward improving facilities for tourists. She mentioned that Indian visitors often wish to explore Janakpurdham, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, and Pokhara, while Nepali tourists are drawn to religious destinations in India.

Vice Chairman of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission, Dr. Sohan Kumar Saha, along with former vice-chairpersons Dr. Haribansha Jha and Dr. Bhogendra Thakur, underscored the importance of a joint strategy between Nepal and India for promoting the Ramayana Circuit. They stressed that connecting Madhesh Province with tourists from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh would significantly contribute to the region's economic development.

Secretary of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce State Development Council, Atul Kumar Thakur, stated that the summit was organized to promote tourism in both nations. Similarly, President of the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Surendra Bhandari, emphasized the need for both governments to develop additional infrastructure to support the Ramayana Circuit.

Other speakers, including Nirmal Chaudhary, President of the Marwadi Service Committee Janakpurdham and a central member of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce; former Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City mayor Bajaranga Prasad Saha; Chamber of Commerce Madhesh Province President Abhisek Chaudhary; culture expert Ramesh Ranjan Jha; and Sunil Mallik, Chair of the Greater Janakpur Area Development Council, shared their insights on various aspects of the Ramayana Circuit and its tourism potential. -- RSS