Nepal UK
Kathmandu, Nepal - New Delhi recently hosted a crucial meeting between the home secretaries of Nepal and India, concluding on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The high-level discussions primarily centred on comprehensive cross-border security measures and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Concerns were jointly expressed regarding the challenges posed by the extensive open border between the two nations, particularly concerning infiltration, crime prevention, and the illicit trafficking of drugs. Both delegations also acknowledged the complexities associated with the movement of third-country nationals, underscoring the necessity for heightened vigilance and increased joint patrols along the frontier.
A significant portion of the talks focused on two long-anticipated legal instruments: the Extradition Treaty and the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement. While the framework for the Mutual Legal Assistance pact is reportedly nearing completion, poised for signature, the Extradition Treaty still requires further negotiation. Differences that have persisted since an initial understanding in 2005 continue to impede its finalisation. The absence of these crucial agreements has notably hindered efforts to extradite individuals implicated in criminal activities.
Beyond border security, the agenda encompassed a range of cooperative initiatives. These included exploring avenues for Indian support to Nepali security forces, enhancing vital border infrastructure, and ensuring the proper maintenance of boundary pillars. Furthermore, discussions addressed joint efforts to combat human trafficking, highlighting a shared commitment to addressing this pressing humanitarian issue.
The meeting also formally endorsed the proceedings from a previous joint secretary-level gathering held in Pokhara in March. That earlier discussion had similarly addressed critical areas such as border infrastructure development, capacity building for security institutions, and strategies for disaster risk reduction. The heightened sensitivity of the Indian delegation towards border security, particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, was observed to have a significant influence on the tenor of the recent deliberations.
The Nepali delegation was led by Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, whilst his Indian counterpart, Govind Mohan, headed the Indian team. The comprehensive dialogue underscores both nations' commitment to fostering a secure and cooperative bilateral relationship.
These ongoing dialogues underscore a shared vision for a more secure and collaboratively prosperous future for both nations.
