The meeting addressed NIICE’s activities since its establishment in 2016, the regional focus areas of the institution, and possibilities for bilateral cooperation. Dr. Jaiswal noted that while their institution concentrates on security issues centered on India and China, they are also closely following Turkey’s foreign policy. In this context, potential joint webinars, research projects, meetings, and publication initiatives with GRF were discussed.

It was further noted that Nepal, after being ruled as a monarchy for many years, transitioned to a republic in 2008; and that this period marked a significant increase in China’s interest in the region. Due to its geographic proximity to Tibet, it was observed that Nepal–China relations have expanded beyond economic cooperation to encompass security and political dimensions as well. In this regard, China’s development policies and border security approach in the region have been assessed to render its relations with Nepal more complex and strategic.

It was foreseen that Southeast Asia, shaped by the influence of China and India, will occupy a greater place on the international agenda in the coming period. Within this framework, engagement with countries like Nepal—which are less visible in global public discourse but offer unique perspectives—was considered valuable.