India and Nepal have taken another step forward in their strong bilateral partnership by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for five new High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs). These projects will be implemented in the sectors of education and health across four districts in Nepal. Supported by the Government of India, these HICDPs aim to directly benefit local communities by improving infrastructure and services in schools, health centres, and other essential institutions.

I chose to write on this topic because it reflects how neighbouring countries can work together to support grassroots development. At a time when global headlines are often filled with conflict, the India-Nepal collaboration stands as a positive example of how diplomacy can be turned into real benefits for ordinary people. This topic is also important because it highlights how small, focused projects – like building a school or upgrading a hospital ward – can make a big difference in people’s lives. For anyone interested in foreign policy, development work, or the future of South Asia, these MoUs are a strong reminder that quiet cooperation matters.

What Are HICDPs and Why Do They Matter?

High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) are part of India’s long-standing development partnership with Nepal. These projects focus on key areas such as education, health, sanitation, and community infrastructure. What makes them different is their scale and focus – they are small to medium in size but are targeted at real, day-to-day needs of local communities.

Under HICDPs, India has already supported over 550 projects in Nepal, and nearly 480 of them have been completed. The funding usually comes in the form of grant assistance, and the projects are implemented in coordination with local bodies in Nepal.

The five MoUs signed recently fall under the same programme and are expected to bring immediate benefits to local people, especially students, teachers, and patients in under-served areas.

Details of the Five MoUs Signed

Here is a quick overview of the five projects that were formalised through MoUs on July 9, 2025:

1. Shree Janata Secondary School, Taplejung District
   • Construction of a new school building
   • Will benefit hundreds of students in a remote area
2. Health Post at Duhun Rural Municipality, Darchula District
   • Upgradation of health services for better rural healthcare access
3. Shree Mahendra Higher Secondary School, Achham District
   • Support for infrastructure development and classroom expansion
4. Community Health Unit at Badimalika Municipality, Bajura District
   • Focused on maternal and child healthcare improvement
5. Shree Saraswati Secondary School, Doti District
   • Improvement of school building and learning facilities

All five projects are expected to be completed with Indian financial assistance totalling around NPR 180 million (INR 11.25 crore).

A Deepening People-Centric Partnership

India’s development partnership with Nepal is deeply rooted in the concept of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas – and this shows in how these projects are designed. They are not just about diplomacy or soft power; they are about real, tangible help that improves daily life in Nepal’s rural regions.

This recent agreement also builds trust between the two governments and reflects India’s commitment to being a reliable development partner. Importantly, the projects were selected based on local needs – meaning the people in those communities will actually use and benefit from the services.

Local Ownership and Long-Term Impact

One of the key reasons why HICDPs have worked well in Nepal is because they are implemented with the communities, not just for them. Local governments and school or hospital management teams play an active role in planning and monitoring the work. This builds a sense of ownership, which is critical for the long-term success of any public infrastructure.

For example, in past projects, schools that received support from HICDPs were able to introduce computer labs, expand girl-friendly toilets, and improve classroom ventilation – all changes that directly impacted student outcomes.