The 14th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Working Group on Border Management and Security began in Dehradun on Thursday, with senior officials from both countries holding two-day discussions on cross-border security and management issues. 

The talks are being held at Hotel Taj in Dehradun and are focused on strengthening security along the open India-Nepal border, while addressing cross-border crime, infiltration, smuggling and other criminal activities. 

Cross-Border Crime on Agenda

Officials are expected to discuss measures to tackle cross-border criminal activities, drug trafficking, smuggling and illegal movement of people and goods. Information sharing between security agencies is also expected to form an important part of the discussions. 

The two sides are also reviewing mechanisms for monitoring the movement of third-country nationals and addressing security concerns linked to the open border.

Border Disputes Discussed

The meeting is also taking up certain border-related issues and disputes, including the examination of historical maps, according to reports. Nepal's concerns regarding India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass are also expected to feature in the discussions. 

Border regulations, encroachments in no-man's land, counterfeit currency and unauthorised trade are among the broader issues that have featured in the agenda of India-Nepal security discussions. 

Review of Previous Decisions

The 14th JWG meeting follows the 13th meeting held in Pokhara, Nepal, on March 27-28, 2025. At that meeting, the two sides reviewed measures concerning border pillars, trans-border criminal activities, border infrastructure and capacity building of security institutions. 

The previous meeting also discussed strengthening infrastructure at Integrated Check Posts, roads and railway networks, disaster-risk reduction and the functioning of Border District Coordination Committees.

Wider Bilateral Engagement

The latest talks come shortly after Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth's visit to Nepal from August 16 to 19. During the visit, he held discussions with senior Nepali officials, including Prime Minister Balendra Shah, with defence cooperation featuring prominently. 

The meetings reflect continued engagement between the two neighbours on security, defence and border-management matters.

Open Border Framework

India and Nepal share a distinctive relationship characterised by an open border and extensive people-to-people ties. The Joint Working Group provides a formal mechanism for both countries to address security concerns arising from this arrangement.

The Dehradun meeting is expected to conclude after two days of discussions, with both sides reviewing existing mechanisms and exploring measures to improve coordination along the border.