The two-day meeting, held on 22–23 July, marked the 16th edition of the bilateral Home Secretary-level talks and was co-chaired by India’s Home Secretary
India and Nepal have agreed to strengthen cooperation on border management and deepen their broader security partnership, following high-level talks between their home secretaries in the Indian capital.
The two-day meeting, held on 22–23 July, marked the 16th edition of the bilateral Home Secretary-level talks and was co-chaired by India’s Home Secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and his Nepali counterpart, Eshor Raj Poudel. The discussions covered a wide spectrum of mutual concerns, including cross-border crime, information sharing, and infrastructure development in border areas.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance coordination between their law enforcement agencies, and agreed to facilitate smooth cross-border movement while curbing criminal activities along the porous border.
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs described the talks as “cordial and constructive”, highlighting the “longstanding and close bilateral relationship” between the two neighbours. “The talks provided an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and to strengthen institutional mechanisms for cooperation,” the ministry said in a statement.
During the meeting, India and Nepal also reviewed the implementation of ongoing bilateral projects in border regions and pledged to expedite them. The countries expressed satisfaction over progress made on several joint initiatives, including the Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) aimed at improving trade and transit.
Bhalla and Poudel underscored the importance of regular dialogue to address emerging security challenges and promote peace and stability in the region.
The talks reflect a broader push by both governments to institutionalise their security collaboration, especially amid growing concerns over smuggling, human trafficking, and the movement of insurgent groups.
The next round of talks will be held in Kathmandu, although a date has not yet been announced.
