The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Nepal-Tajikistan: Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Focus in Energy," on 12 December 2025 featuring H.E. Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Nepal.

The event brought together key stakeholders, former envoys, energy experts, and business representatives and academics to explore avenues for deepening cooperation between the two mountainous, landlocked nations, with a specific emphasis on their shared interest like energy, trade and tourism. 

H.E. Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda highlighted Tajikistan's leadership in the Central Asian energy sector, noting the country's vast hydroelectric potential which ranks among the highest in the world. The Ambassador underscored that both nations are positioned to become energy batteries for their respective regions Tajikistan for Central Asia and Nepal for South Asia. He invited Nepalese energy developers and investors to explore collaborative opportunities, suggesting that knowledge exchange on high-altitude dam construction and grid management could be mutually beneficial.

The session delved into the strategic importance of energy security, highlighting how both nations are striving to achieve energy independence and export surpluses to neighboring markets. Key areas identified for collaboration included sharing expertise in building resilient hydropower infrastructure in seismic zones, encouraging joint ventures in small and medium-sized hydropower projects, and collaborating on global platforms to advocate for sustainable mountain development and climate finance. Ambassador Bobokalonzoda also stressed the need to improve physical and digital connectivity to realize this potential, suggesting that establishing direct air links would be a catalyst not only for energy professionals but also for tourism and trade, bringing the business communities of Dushanbe and Kathmandu closer together.

The roundtable concluded with a strong consensus on the need to move from diplomatic goodwill to concrete economic partnership.