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Press release on India-Nepal Home Secretary-level talks

Home Secretary-level talks between India and Nepal were held in the Indian capital New Delhi on January 19-20, 2005. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a press release on January 20 in connection with these talks. Following is the full text of the release:

On India-Nepal Home Secretary-level talks

20/01/2005

Home Secretary-level talks between India and Nepal were held at New Delhi on January 19-20, 2005. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Dhirendra Singh, Home Secretary, Government of India, and the Nepalese delegation was led by Mr. Chandi Prasad Shrestha, Home Secretary, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. These were preceded by a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Border Management on January 17-18, 2005.

These meetings are part of a network of institutional mechanisms that India and Nepal have in the area of security cooperation. These include the Home Secretary-level talks, Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues, the Joint Working Group on Border Management and the District Coordination Committees.

During the meetings, both sides exchanged views on various security related issues of mutual concern including the Maoist insurgency in Nepal and the security situation in the border areas. The modalities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating activities of terrorists, criminals and other hostile elements who are engaged in activities inimical to the interests of both India and Nepal, were also discussed.

The Nepalese side thanked the Indian side for the continuous support provided by GOI to HMGN in dealing with the challenges posed by the Maoist insurgency. In this context, a specific reference was made to the recent programme launched by the two Government for modernization of the Nepal Police by providing high-quality training in counter-insurgency and equipment.

Both sides reiterated their resolve not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the other side. In this spirit, both sides agreed to further intensify cooperation through regular meetings and information sharing between the concerned authorities of adjoining border districts and at other levels.

Following the discussions, the texts of the Extradition Treaty and the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between Nepal and India were finalized and initialed. The two sides agreed to expeditiously complete their internal procedures to enable early formalization of these agreements. Once implemented, these instruments would significantly strengthen the legal framework for combating crime and terrorism.

India and Nepal have also launched several projects for improving infrastructure along the border and better rail and road connectivity. These projects would not only facilitate trade and transit but would also contribute to better border management and enhanced security.

Both sides were fully satisfied with the outcome of the meetings which were held in a traditionally friendly and cordial atmosphere. It was agreed to hold the next round of talks in Nepal within one year. It was also agreed to hold the next meeting of the JWG on Border Management in Nepal within six months.

New Delhi

January 20, 2005

Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

 

 

 

 

 
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