Kathmandu : Speakers at a programme have underlined the need for bolstering security cooperation between Nepal and India so that various sort of crimes could be reduced.
During a talk programme organized by the Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, experts from major think tanks of India and Nepal viewed robust cooperation and exchange of information between the two countries would be instrumental in curbing cross-border terrorism, illegal trade and disinformation.
The security cooperation is the backbone of bilateral relations, they said, arguing that Nepal could reap benefits from India’s economic growth. Power trade, political stability, extension of transit and institutional strengthening also featured during the event.
Former National Security Advisor of India and Convenor at NatStrat, Pankaj Saran, shared that he was impressed by the interaction with Nepali youths, and youths of both India and Nepal should engage to share the future of Nepal-India relations.
Executive Vice President of India Foundation, Alok Bansal, argued India is a major victim of cross-border terrorism and it has a huge impact on Nepal as well.
Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal of Jawaharlal Nehru University stated that India–Nepal relations benefit from the work of think tanks and academic centres, and there is significant scope to strengthen collaboration. The Governments of India and Nepal should promote think tanks and research, she suggested.
Co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, Dr Gaurav Saini, said the India–Nepal border is unique for its deep trade, cultural, and people-to-people ties, but its porous nature also creates shared security challenges.
Political and security analyst, Major General Binoj Basnyat (Retd), said Nepal’s Gen Z demonstrations were not unexpected, though their unfolding came as a surprise. While stressing the importance of elections, he questioned whether they would ensure strategic stability, warning that without generational renewal and institutional reform, elections may only repeat existing cycles. He described the post-election period as a “strategic pause rather than a strategic solution” and called for inclusive dialogue.
Similarly, Director at PEI, Anurag Acharya, discussed three major avenues including physical connectivity, trade and digital connectivity that have contributed to improved bilateral ties. He also discussed emerging avenues like tech integration, religious and cultural tourism and spots that could further contribute to business and economy on both sides.
Director of NIICE, Sumitra Karki, emphasized the need to engage academically and policy-wise in enhancing bilateral relationships.
