Kathmandu, May 9 -- When India and Nepal launched a cross-border QR payment system in March 2024, it was celebrated as a milestone, a sign that the two neighbours were finally building seamless digital financial ties. Since then, Indian tourists, students, and patients travelling to Nepal can now scan and pay from their phones.

Nepalis travelling to India are still waiting for the same .

More than two years since the system went live, and despite repeated assurances from Nepali banks, payment operators and the central bank that their side is technically ready, the reciprocal service has not been launched. Deadlines have come and gone. December 2024 was one such target. It passed without explanation.

A primary reason for the delay, acco...