The Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation), the apex body of Nepal’s ICT sector, has officially announced the conceptual framework for the Nepal–India Digital Corridor, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen regional digital cooperation, accelerate innovation, and position Nepal and India as leading digital hubs in South Asia.
The framework has been developed under the leadership of Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, Senior Vice President of CAN Federation and a renowned ICT Policy Expert. His decades-long contribution to Nepal’s digital ecosystem—including policy drafting, digital governance frameworks, national ICT advocacy, and industry development—has played a crucial role in conceptualizing this milestone initiative.
A Vision for a Seamless Digital Future
The Nepal–India Digital Corridor aligns Nepal’s IT Decade (2024–2034) with India’s global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The vision emphasizes creating a resilient, integrated, and innovation-driven regional digital ecosystem focused on shared growth and prosperity.
Key Components of the Digital Corridor Framework
1. Cross-Border Fintech Expansion
Leveraging the success of UPI–Nepal interoperability to enable instant, secure, and low-cost financial transactions.
2. Startup & Innovation Cooperation (IN-SPAN Expansion)
Incubation, venture capital access, and joint product development between Nepali and Indian innovators.
3. Talent Mobility & Certification Recognition
Mutual recognition of training, certifications, and ICT qualifications to boost workforce mobility.
4. Cybersecurity Collaboration
Real-time threat intelligence exchange between npCert and CERT-In, including joint cybersecurity drills.
5. AI & Research Partnerships
Joint development of Nepali language AI models and collaborative R&D between IITs, NITs, IOE, KU, and other institutions.
6. Digital Infrastructure Development
Priority investment in Tier-3 data centers, fiber optic redundancy, and cloud-ready infrastructure in Nepal.
7. Policy Harmonization
Aligning data protection, digital identity, and e-commerce regulations to enable smooth digital trade between the two nations.
A Strategic Step toward Shared Prosperity
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari said:
“The Nepal–India Digital Corridor is not just a technological initiative—it is a shared economic vision. Our goal is to create a seamless digital ecosystem where innovation thrives, opportunities expand, and Nepal positions itself as a global IT outsourcing and innovation hub. Together, Nepal and India can build a digital future that benefits millions.”
The CAN Federation emphasized that the corridor will support Nepal’s goal of generating 1.5 million IT jobs and achieving USD 3 billion in IT service exports, while enabling deeper collaboration with India across fintech, cybersecurity, AI, and digital governance.
About CAN Federation
Established in 1992, the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) is the largest ICT umbrella organization in Nepal, encompassing professionals, students, startups, and ICT enterprises across all seven provinces and 74 districts. CAN Federation has been instrumental in drafting the first IT policy, initiating National ICT Day, and guiding major digital transformation strategies in Nepal.
