Strategic & national issues discussed in 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group Meeting in Doon
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The 14th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Working Group (JWG) was held on August 20–21.
Both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation on border management and security, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in these areas.
Discussions covered addressing trans-border crime and criminal activities; the strengthening and effective utilisation of border infrastructure, particularly Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), roads and railway networks; and the removal of encroachments and maintenance of boundary pillars.
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening institutional coordination and capacity building across various sectors, and agreed to sustain engagement in these areas. It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in Nepal at a mutually convenient date.
The Indian delegation was led by Pausumi Basu, joint secretary (BM-I), Ministry of Home Affairs while the Nepali delegation was led by Ananda Kafle, joint secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal.
The meeting was held in Uttarakhand at a time when the Nepal government has been claiming that India has taken up a part of Nepal, which has been and will remain a part of India as clarified by the Government of India.
