On June 23 and 24, 2025, the sixteenth session of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (INBCGSI) took place in Pune, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian team was headed by Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), while the Nepali side was led by Gahendra Rajbhandari, Joint Secretary (South Asia). Both delegations included officials from the defense and foreign ministries, as well as army representatives.
The two-day discussion covered a wide spectrum of security-related topics such as military training, joint exercises, disaster response, weapons supplies, and personnel exchanges. The Nepali delegation also toured prominent public and private defense production facilities, exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation. The INBCGSI, first established in 2003, serves as the key platform for India-Nepal strategic and defense collaboration.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Nepal, along with its Consulate in Birgunj, marked the 11th International Day of Yoga with an impressive series of events spanning 10 cities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Janakpur, and Lumbini. Leading up to the main event on June 21, the embassy hosted several Yoga demonstrations, including a curtain-raiser at Pashupatinath Temple and sessions with ex-Indian Army personnel and Nepali soldiers.
In a unique initiative, Yoga poses were demonstrated at six UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley, attracting enthusiastic participation from Nepali citizens, celebrities, and the Indian diaspora. Over 500 students participated in a special Yoga and nutrition awareness session at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kathmandu, highlighting the importance of mindful eating and holistic wellness.
The major celebration took place on June 21 at Rangsala Stadium in Pokhara, drawing more than 7,000 participants. The event was attended by top Nepali officials, including Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey and Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya, who praised India’s efforts in promoting wellness and cultural bonds through Yoga.
Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasized Yoga’s power as a cultural connector and highlighted its potential to boost tourism in Nepal. Additional events were held in Lumbini, where over 500 people joined, and at scenic locations like Lake Phewa and Sarangkot, reinforcing the growing popularity of Yoga as a shared legacy.
