The 8th Nepal-India Border Security Coordination Meeting, chaired by Amrit Mohan Prasad, Director General of India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Raju Aryal, Inspector General of Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF), successfully concluded recently. The three-day meeting focused on enhancing cooperation to secure open borders while facilitating smooth citizen movement between the two nations.
Discussions revolved around 11 key agenda items, leading to a joint memorandum of understanding. Both sides committed to tackling cross-border crimes, improving information sharing, preventing revenue leakages, curbing drug smuggling, and addressing the illegal entry of third-country nationals. Special attention was given to human trafficking, gold smuggling, and the identification challenges posed by third-country citizens.
The meeting also emphasized joint efforts to manage the no-man’s-land areas along the border. Measures to decriminalize these zones and make border security more organized were highlighted.
Held alternately in India and Nepal, the annual coordination meeting reflects the enduring partnership between the two neighbors in maintaining border security and addressing emerging challenges.
Sweta Singh/Kathmandu/18.11.2024
