India-Nepal Strengthen Border Management Cooperation at 13th JWG Meeting

Nepal and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border security and infrastructure at the 13th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Border Management, held in Pokhara on March 27-28, 2025. The Indian delegation, led by Mihir Kumar, Joint Secretary (Border Management) from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Nepali delegation, headed by Ramchandra Tiwari, Joint Secretary (Security and Coordination) from Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, discussed key bilateral issues concerning border management.

Both sides reviewed the implementation of decisions from the last JWG meeting held in New Delhi in June 2022, with a focus on the repair and maintenance of border pillars. They agreed to enhance cooperation in controlling trans-border criminal activities and to strengthen border infrastructure, including Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), roads, and railway networks. Additionally, discussions covered capacity-building measures for security institutions and improved coordination in disaster risk reduction and management.

A key outcome of the meeting was the commitment to expedite the finalization of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and enhance the functioning of the Border District Coordination Committee (BDCC). Both nations agreed to ensure the regular convening of JWG meetings for better coordination and effective border management.

The Indian delegation extended an invitation for the next JWG meeting to be held in India next year, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to fostering stronger bilateral cooperation on border-related issues.