Nepal-Italy Relations

Nepal-Italy Relations

Political Relations

Nepal and the Italian Republic established diplomatic relations on 31 August 1959. The relationship is based on the shared values of friendliness, mutual understanding, goodwill and cordiality. The Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva is concurrently accredited to Italy, while the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal. Both countries have established honorary consulates in each other’s capital.

In the past, Nepal had established its residential Embassy in Rome from 1961 to 1967. Likewise, Italy too had its residential Embassy in Kathmandu from 1971 to 1977.

Exchange of Visits

There have been several high-level visits between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba visited Italy in 2025 to attend the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held in Rome. Similarly, Prime Minister Mr. Puspa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ visited Italy in 2023 to participate in the United Nations Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2).

From the Italian side, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Benedetto Della Vedova, visited Nepal in 2014. Likewise, Minister of State for Science & Technology, Prof. Giuseppe Tognon, visited Nepal in 1998.

Bilateral Consultation Mechanism:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of the Italian Republic have established a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to that effect was signed in 2022.

Economic and Development Cooperation

Italy primarily provides development cooperation to Nepal through multilateral organizations like UNHCR, FAO, WHO, and WFP as well as through the European Union.

Trade and Investment

Nepal mainly exports traditional handicrafts, textiles, and medicinal herbs to Italy while it imports industrial machinery and electrical equipment from Italy. The trade figures show balance of trade in favour of Italy. The export/import trend in the past few years is shown in the table below:

(Value in 000 Rupees)

As of FY 2023/24, Italy’s FDI stock in Nepal stood at Rs. 200.1 million.

Tourism and People-to-People Relations

Around 15,000 Italian tourists visit Nepal every year. Following table highlights the inflow of Italian tourists to Nepal in the recent years.

Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 Nepalis currently live in Italy.

Cultural Cooperation

Italy has contributed to the Nepal’s reconstruction efforts, especially in the area of restoration of cultural, architectural heritages and historical monuments. The Italian Institute for Middle and Far East has extended its cooperation in archaeological excavations in Lumbini as well as the restoration of monuments and paintings.

Human Resource Development

Italy’s Center for Excellence for Stability Police Units (CoESPU) provides annual training program for personnel from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force.

Europe Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As of March 2026