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India–Nepal border spans 1,751 km across five Indian states (Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim). Governed by the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty, it allows free movement and deep cultural ties. Amid Nepal’s 2025 Gen Z protests, violence, and PM Oli’s resignation, security has tightened. Key India–Nepal border disputes include Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
India Nepal border is one of South Asia’s most important international boundaries. It is approximately 1,751 kilometers, and it connects India with Nepal across five Indian states. India Nepal border is one of the important for trade, culture, and security. In fact, this border also allows for the free movement of people and goods, under the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950.
In September 2025, the border gained attention due to political unrest in Nepal. Protests and resignations in Kathmandu have also impacted cross-border trade and security checks. The India Nepal border is now under close observation to prevent any disruption to trade and travel.
The India Nepal border is on high alert after the ongoing tension due to the Gen Z Nepal Protest. This protest in Kathmandu turned violent, during which over 20 people died. During this, the wife of former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, died after her house was set on fire. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned following the growing tension.
Enraged protestors torched government buildings and attacked the residences of senior leaders, including Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, who were injured. Security forces in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Sikkim have tightened checks at major border points such as Raxaul–Birgunj and Sunauli–Bhairahawa, where trade has slowed sharply. The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship normally allows open movement, but ID checks have increased amid fears of unrest spilling over.
Triggered by a social media ban and anger at “nepo kids” of political elites, the protests highlight deep frustration with corruption, youth unemployment, and inequality.
India shares its border with Nepal across five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. These states vary in geography and border length. The border supports local economies and traditional trade routes.
Each of these states has its own border check posts and trade points. Among these, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar witness the highest traffic due to trade and the daily commuting of citizens. While Sikkim’s border is more mountainous and has fewer crossings, it remains strategically important.
Indian State | Approximate Nepal and India Border Length (km) |
Uttarakhand | 345 |
Uttar Pradesh | 731 |
Bihar | 675 |
West Bengal | 221 |
Sikkim | 202 |
The India Nepal border map shows a long stretch from the western region near Uttarakhand to the eastern region in Sikkim and West Bengal. Major crossings include Raxaul–Birgunj, Sunauli–Bhairahawa, Banbasa–Mahendranagar, and others.
Geographically, the border passes through the Terai plains, the Himalayan foothills, and dense forested regions. This variation affects both trade routes and security measures. Maps also indicate disputed regions in the north, such as Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
Check posts are crucial for trade, travel, and security. These points manage customs, immigration, and transport logistics. Trade volume is highest at Raxaul–Birgunj, which accounts for more than 60% of bilateral trade. Mentioned here are India Nepal border, where they host several major check posts:
Check Post | Indian Side | Nepalese Side |
Raxaul | Bihar | Birgunj |
Sunauli | Uttar Pradesh | Bhairahawa |
Banbasa | Uttarakhand | Mahendranagar |
Panitanki | West Bengal | Kakarbhitta |
Gen Z protests in Nepal have spiraled into chaos. Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife were assaulted, while ex-PM Jhala Nath Khanal’s wife died in a fire. Prime Minister Oli resigned. Army deployed. Streets remain tense and violent. There are concerns that it may have a spillover impact on India Nepal Border safety due to fear of civil unrest:
Date | Events |
8 September 2025 |
|
9 September 2025 |
|
10 September 2025 |
|
The Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed on 31 July 1950, continues to shape the relationship between India and Nepal. It plays a direct role in how the India Nepal border is managed. The treaty allows free movement, economic exchange, and close security cooperation.
Key Provision | Details |
Open Border | Citizens of both countries can travel across the India Nepal border without passports or visas. |
Freedom of Residence and Work | People can live, work, and conduct business freely in either country. |
Trade and Economic Links | Treaty facilitates unrestricted trade and movement of goods across the border. |
Security Cooperation | Both nations agree to consult each other on defense and strategic issues. |
Even with close ties, some stretches of the India Nepal border remain disputed. The issues mainly concern Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura in the northwest. These disputes arise from different interpretations of historical treaties and administrative records.
Disputed Area | Nepal’s Position | India’s Position | Current Status |
Kalapani | Claimed as part of Nepal’s Dharchula region, citing Sugauli Treaty maps. | Administered by India as part of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. | Controlled by India; claimed by Nepal. |
Lipulekh | Included in Nepal’s 2020 political map. | India maintains it falls under Uttarakhand, used as trade route with Tibet. | Used by India; under dispute. |
Limpiyadhura | Nepal argues it is the origin of River Kali, marking true boundary. | India refers to other records placing boundary east of Limpiyadhura. | Claimed by Nepal; under Indian administrative control. |
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It is a 1950 agreement that allows open borders, free movement, and cooperation in trade, residence, and defense between India and Nepal.
Yes, citizens of both countries can cross the border freely without passports or visas.
Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are the main disputed regions.
The India Nepal border stretches around 1,770 kilometers across five Indian states.
They affect local communities, trade routes, and diplomatic ties, often leading to political and security tensions.
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