On 25 February 2026 the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Forests and Environment of Nepal to promote bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change. The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and the Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment of Nepal Madhav Prasad Chaulagain. The MoU provides a framework for exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices between the two Governments.

Both countries are endowed with rich biodiversity and have established extensive networks of protected areas within their territories, and both are parties to multiple multilateral environmental agreements. In view of shared ecosystems and transboundary wildlife habitats the Governments identified a need to strengthen coordination and cooperation across policy, enforcement and conservation planning. The MoU is intended to provide an institutional basis for such cooperation.

The memorandum envisages cooperation in formulation of biodiversity conservation strategies at the landscape level with emphasis on key species including elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger and vultures. It also envisages strengthened forest and protected area management, restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas towards the creation of transboundary conservation landscapes, measures to address biodiversity conservation threats and actions to combat forest and wildlife crime. Capacity building of frontline enforcement staff and promotion of smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots are further areas of collaboration.

The signing is expected to deepen India–Nepal cooperation in conservation of wildlife and biodiversity and to contribute to protection of shared ecosystems and sustainable management of natural resources in the region. The Governments anticipate that coordinated action under the MoU will enhance landscape level conservation outcomes and reduce threats to migratory and transboundary species. Continued exchange of technical expertise and best practices is expected to support implementation of joint measures.