NIICE Director Highlights Nepal’s Maritime Importance at Indian Ocean Conference

Sumitra Karki represented Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference 2026 in Mauritius, emphasizing Nepal’s dependence on the Indian Ocean despite being landlocked.

She described Nepal as a “virtual maritime country” due to its access to sea routes through India, noting the country’s heavy reliance on ports like Kolkata Port and Visakhapatnam Port for trade.

Karki stressed the importance of regional stability for Nepal’s economic security and reiterated the country’s policy of strategic autonomy and focus on economic cooperation.

She also highlighted NIICE’s growing role in Indo-Pacific discussions and its initiatives, including policy dialogues and forums, while engaging with key international leaders on the sidelines of the conference.