India-Nepal Hold Home Secretary Talks, Deepen Border and Security Cooperation

 In a significant step toward bolstering bilateral relations, India and Nepal held the Home Secretary Level Talks in New Delhi on 22 July 2025, marking another milestone in their enduring commitment to maintaining peace, security, and coordinated border governance.

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Govind Mohan, Home Secretary of India, while the Nepali delegation was headed by his counterpart, Shri Gokarna Mani Duwadee, Home Secretary of Nepal. These high-level deliberations reflect the deepening strategic and operational cooperation between the two neighboring nations, who share an open border and a long history of cultural and socio-economic ties.

Comprehensive Review of Security and Border Cooperation

The talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral security cooperation and border management, with both sides expressing satisfaction over ongoing collaborations and reaffirming their resolve to further strengthen mechanisms for joint action and coordinated policy implementation.

Among the key issues discussed were:

• Repair and maintenance of boundary pillars: Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining clearly demarcated borders and agreed to accelerate joint efforts for identifying, surveying, and repairing damaged or missing boundary pillars.

• Tackling trans-border criminal activities: Recognizing the challenges posed by smuggling, human trafficking, and cross-border crimes, the two delegations agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, joint patrolling, and coordinated enforcement actions.

• Effective functioning of Border District Coordination Committees (BDCCs): The role of BDCCs in resolving local cross-border issues was acknowledged as vital. Both sides pledged to ensure their regular meetings and active involvement of local law enforcement agencies.

• Strengthening border infrastructure: Discussions included plans to upgrade and modernize Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), improve road connectivity, and expand cross-border rail networks, aiming to facilitate legitimate trade and travel while ensuring tight security checks.

• Empowerment of security institutions: Both countries acknowledged the need to build capacity within their law enforcement, immigration, and disaster response agencies. Proposals for training programs, exchange visits, and mutual capacity-building initiatives were welcomed.

• Cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management: Given the shared geographic vulnerabilities to earthquakes, floods, and landslides, the delegations explored new ways to collaborate on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and post-disaster response coordination.

Legal Framework and Treaties: Progress on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition

A notable outcome of the talks was the finalization of the text of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which will provide a robust legal basis for seamless cooperation in criminal investigations, evidence gathering, and prosecution support across borders.

Furthermore, both parties reiterated their commitment to concluding the revised Extradition Treaty at the earliest, recognizing its critical role in addressing fugitives, organized crime, and judicial cooperation. The treaty aims to modernize legal provisions in line with contemporary international standards while respecting the domestic laws of both countries.

Road Ahead: Next Meeting to Be Held in Nepal

At the conclusion of the talks, it was mutually agreed that the next round of Home Secretary Level Talks will take place in Nepal, with dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels. This reflects the continued reciprocal nature of the dialogue process, ensuring equal participation and shared ownership in addressing regional challenges.

Strategic Importance of India-Nepal Cooperation

India and Nepal share over 1,850 kilometers of an open border, which has historically facilitated people-to-people contact, cultural exchange, and vibrant trade. However, such an open border also necessitates vigilant monitoring, bilateral coordination, and a shared commitment to regional peace and security.

The 2025 Home Secretary Level Talks reaffirmed both governments’ resolve to proactively address cross-border concerns while nurturing the age-old bond of friendship between the two nations. The sustained engagement at the highest bureaucratic levels serves as a powerful symbol of the India-Nepal strategic partnership and the desire to collaboratively shape a secure and prosperous future for their citizens.