Strengthened Ties: India-Nepal Defence and Security Cooperation Grows at 16th Bilateral Consultative Group Meeting in Pune

Pune, India – In a reaffirmation of their deep-rooted strategic partnership, India and Nepal held the 16th meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues in Pune on June 24, 2025. The talks marked a significant step forward in India-Nepal defence cooperation, focusing on bolstering mutual trust, strengthening regional stability, and enhancing bilateral coordination on pressing security concerns.

The Indian delegation was led by Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Nepali side was headed by Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides exchanged views in a cordial and constructive environment, reflecting the long-standing friendship and multi-dimensional ties between the two neighboring countries.

Historic Platform to Deepen India-Nepal Defence Cooperation

Established as a platform to regularly exchange perspectives on defence and security matters, the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues plays a crucial role in fostering transparency and enhancing operational coordination. The 16th meeting underscored India and Nepal’s intent to ensure a stable and peaceful South Asian region through increased defence cooperation, military training exchanges, and capacity-building measures.

This consultative mechanism, initiated in 2003, has matured into a trusted diplomatic framework through which the two nations address cross-border challenges, such as terrorism, transnational crimes, and border security.

Key Outcomes Strengthening India-Nepal Defence Cooperation

At the core of this latest meeting was a shared understanding of evolving regional threats and the necessity to collectively respond to new challenges. Key outcomes included:

• Enhancement of military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises, personnel training, and defence dialogue mechanisms.
• Discussion on border management and security infrastructure upgrades, including surveillance technologies and coordinated patrolling.
• Commitment to cooperation in disaster response and humanitarian assistance, which is increasingly vital due to shared geographical vulnerabilities.
• Exploration of new areas for collaboration, including cyber security and counter-terrorism initiatives.

Both sides acknowledged the need for continuous dialogue and strategic alignment to safeguard the sovereign interests of each nation while promoting mutual prosperity.

India-Nepal Defence Cooperation Anchored in Shared History and Geography

India and Nepal share not only a common border but also cultural, economic, and historical linkages that date back centuries. The foundation of their defence cooperation is rooted in shared democratic values and long-standing people-to-people ties. Over 40,000 Nepali citizens serve in the Indian Armed Forces, a unique testament to the depth of trust and strategic integration.

The continued evolution of India-Nepal defence cooperation ensures that both nations remain committed partners in peacekeeping and regional security initiatives, including those under the United Nations framework.

Broader Strategic Implications for South Asia

As regional dynamics in South Asia become more complex, particularly with the growing geopolitical influence of external powers, the strengthening of India-Nepal defence cooperation sends a powerful message of regional unity. The discussions in Pune emphasized a rules-based international order and the sovereignty of smaller nations.

Nepal’s balancing act between India and other regional actors like China has often raised eyebrows. However, meetings like this reflect Kathmandu’s recognition of the strategic importance of a strong and reliable partnership with New Delhi.

Mutual Trust and Transparency Pave Way for the Future

The successful conclusion of the 16th consultative meeting symbolizes a matured relationship built on mutual respect and cooperation. As both sides continue to prioritize defence diplomacy and people-centric engagement, the future of India-Nepal defence cooperation appears optimistic and forward-looking.

Further dialogues are expected in the near future to implement decisions taken at this meeting, ensuring that the momentum generated in Pune translates into measurable on-ground cooperation.

Conclusion: India-Nepal Defence Cooperation Marks a New Chapter

The 16th Bilateral Consultative Group meeting between India and Nepal reaffirms a growing spirit of strategic partnership and shared responsibility. The robust discussions and outcomes from the Pune meeting have elevated India-Nepal defence cooperation to a new level, enhancing both nations’ abilities to manage security challenges and sustain regional harmony.

As regional challenges evolve, India and Nepal remain united in their commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity through deepening defence cooperation.