Kathmandu/New Delhi, July 23, 2025 (Shravan 7, 2082)
Report: Special Correspondent
After a gap of nine years, Nepal and India held a high-level Home Secretary-level meeting in New Delhi, focusing primarily on strengthening cooperation to combat cross-border crimes. One of the major outcomes was the finalization of the draft of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between the two countries.
The meeting was led by Nepal’s Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and India’s Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
Key Highlights:
Both sides agreed on the draft of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, which is expected to bolster efforts in tackling cross-border crimes through formal legal cooperation.
No agreement was reached yet on the long-discussed extradition treaty, but both parties committed to continue discussions on it.
Agreement to enhance cooperation on human trafficking, counterfeit currency, and drug smuggling.
Discussions were held on strengthening border surveillance, repairing damaged border pillars, and activating District Border Coordination Committee meetings.
Emphasis on information exchange, especially in disaster early warnings and criminal intelligence (intelligence sharing).
The Indian delegation raised concerns about the increasing number of third-country nationals entering India illegally via Nepal. This includes a recent incident involving eight Chinese nationals caught attempting to cross the border unlawfully. Indian officials also highlighted ongoing issues with Pakistani citizens and Rohingya refugees using Nepal as a transit route into India. The Nepali side acknowledged these as shared security challenges and committed to addressing them jointly.
Discussions also included:
Clearing encroachments along the border.
Upgrading border infrastructure.
Expediting projects like Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and cross-border connectivity initiatives under Indian assistance.
According to a press release by India’s Press Information Bureau, both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation on border management, transportation links (road and rail), and capacity building for security agencies.
Additional Agreements:
To increase the frequency and effectiveness of Border Coordination Committee meetings at the district level.
To consider joint security patrols as needed in vulnerable border areas.
To maintain a friendly and cooperative environment during future engagements.
The meeting is seen as a significant step toward improving bilateral cooperation in law enforcement and security, particularly in the face of evolving cross-border challenges.
