Context: 

• Seventh edition of annual coordination talks between India-Nepal Border Forces Begin in Delhi.
• These talks have been conducted annually since 2012, as part of bilateral cooperation in managing border security and trans-border issues.
• Example: Currently, India and Nepal have border disputes over Kalapani – Limpiyadhura – Lipulekh trijunction between India-Nepal and China and Susta area (West Champaran district, Bihar).

More on News:

• These talks discuss measures to curb trans-frontier crimes and timely sharing of intelligence inputs.

Key Points:

• Key Participants: Sashastra Seema Bal (India) & Armed Police Force(Nepal)Objectives
  • Strengthening mechanisms for collaboratively combating trans-border crimes.
  • Facilitating the prompt exchange of crucial information between the forces.

Open Border Between India and Nepal

• Treaty of Peace and Friendship
  • The “open” border between India and Nepal is established under the Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed by the two countries in 1950.

• Equal Rights for Citizens
  • The treaty provisions grant citizens of both India and Nepal equal rights concerning:
    • Residence
    • Acquisition of property
    • Employment
    • Movement in each other’s territory.
• Visa-Free Crossings
  • As per these provisions, citizens of India and Nepal can cross their shared borders without passport and visa restrictions.

News Source: The Hindu