KATHMANDU, Oct 28: Nepal and India on Wednesday began their 10th coordination meeting in Kathmandu to strengthen border security, improve management along the international boundary and tackle cross border criminal activities.
The two-day meeting brings together officials from Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) and India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), along with representatives of other relevant government departments.
Inspector General of APF Nepal Narayan Dutta Paudel and SSB Director General Sanjaya Singhal are leading their respective delegations, according to a press release issued by the APF.
The Nepalese delegation includes representatives from the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Nepal Police, APF Nepal, National Investigation Department and Department of Survey. India’s delegation comprises officials from the Union Home Ministry, Ministry of External Affairs and SSB.
Discussions are focused on strengthening border management mechanisms and preventing unlawful activities in areas along the shared boundary. Key issues include human trafficking, drug smuggling, the illegal movement of arms and other goods, and a review of measures taken to maintain law and order in border regions.
The two sides are also expected to address concerns regarding encroachment in no-man’s-land and the protection, maintenance and construction of border pillars.
Another important agenda is the establishment of effective channels for the timely exchange of information between the two countries. Officials will also discuss regular coordination to mitigate epidemics, natural disasters and other emergencies that could have cross-border consequences.
The meeting is further expected to explore initiatives to strengthen institutional cooperation and organise joint activities to promote bilateral relations between APF Nepal and the SSB.
The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by the two neighbouring countries to improve coordination among border security agencies, address shared security challenges and facilitate more effective management of their open border.