Bilateral discussions in New Delhi address border management, infrastructure, legal assistance, and disaster cooperation; next round to be held in Nepal.
By Economy India News Desk | 23 July 2025 | New Delhi
India and Nepal held Home Secretary Level Talks in New Delhi on 22 July 2025, reaffirming their commitment to enhance bilateral security cooperation and improve border management mechanisms. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Govind Mohan, Home Secretary, Government of India, while the Nepali delegation was headed by Shri Gokarna Mani Duwadee, Home Secretary, Government of Nepal.
Focus on Border and Security Cooperation
During the meeting, both nations reviewed a broad range of bilateral security issues and reached consensus on taking further coordinated actions. Key discussion points included:
- Repair and maintenance of boundary pillars
- Curbing trans-border criminal activities
- Improving the functioning of Border District Coordination Committees
- Strengthening infrastructure along the border, including Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), roads, and railway networks.
Boosting Institutional and Legal Cooperation
In a significant development, both sides welcomed the finalization of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, a major step towards judicial and investigative collaboration. The officials also agreed to work towards concluding a revised Extradition Treaty, which has been under negotiation for several years.
The two Home Secretaries further emphasized empowerment and capacity building of security-related institutions, ensuring that both countries are better equipped to address evolving regional threats.
Disaster Management and Risk Reduction in Focus
Given the shared geography and seismic vulnerabilities of both nations, the talks also addressed ways to enhance cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management, ensuring faster response and better resilience to natural calamities.
Next Round of Talks in Nepal
It was mutually agreed that the next Home Secretary Level Talks will be held in Nepal, at a date to be finalized later. The dialogue is part of a regular mechanism aimed at institutionalizing security cooperation and fostering trust between the two neighboring countries.
The India-Nepal relationship, built on deep-rooted cultural, economic, and strategic ties, continues to evolve with these structured high-level dialogues, addressing contemporary challenges while building a peaceful and secure border region.
(Economy India)
Source (PIB)
