Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Rana highlights Nepal’s commitment to digital transformation at Raisina Dialogue

New Delhi: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, emphasized the importance of keeping pace with the rapid advancements in digital technology.

Speaking at a session on Digital Public Infrastructure during the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, she highlighted that failing to adapt to this fast-evolving landscape would lead to being left behind. She stated, “Nepal is also ready for the inevitable transformation that technology will bring.”

Dr. Rana reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to developing digital public infrastructure, emphasizing the country’s focus on building inclusive and transformative digital solutions. “The need of the hour is to create safe and inclusive digital public infrastructure that benefits everyone,” she said, noting that such initiatives would bridge the digital divide and empower communities.

The Minister explained that digital public infrastructure serves as a foundation for an inclusive society. Much like essential services such as roads, electricity, and water, it will include systems like digital identity, payment platforms, and data exchange. These advancements, she said, will help democratize governance, promote economic liberalization, and provide better access to services.

Dr. Rana also outlined Nepal’s ongoing efforts in digital governance, including improvements in public service delivery through digital means. She mentioned that Nepal is running e-governance programs aimed at promoting good governance by streamlining access to essential services like health, education, and social security.

Furthermore, the Minister shared that Nepal’s digital initiatives are guided by the e-Governance Plan and the Digital Nepal Framework, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. The framework aims to provide farmers with vital data on costs, time, and markets, offer telemedicine services to remote communities, and expand e-learning opportunities for students.

Dr. Rana also mentioned that Nepal is in the process of implementing the Personal Data Protection Act to further secure its digital landscape.

Concluding her remarks, Dr. Rana highlighted that India could play a key role in helping developing countries build digital infrastructure and promote e-governance. She suggested that India’s experience with digital systems like Aadhaar (digital identity) and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) could provide valuable insights to support inclusive access to technology.