What happened?
The Sixteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (INBCGSI) took place in Pune, India, on 23-24 June 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs , while the Nepali delegation was led by Gahendra Rajbhandari, Joint Secretary (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both delegations included officials from their respective Foreign and Defence Ministries, as well as Directorates of the Indian and Nepali Armies. Productive discussions were held on various aspects of security and defence cooperation, including equipment supplies, training, joint military exercises, disaster relief operations, and military exchanges. Additionally, the delegations visited key public and private defence sector manufacturing facilities to explore possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration. The INBCGSI, established in 2003, serves as the primary institutional mechanism for coordinating bilateral defence and security cooperation between India and Nepal.
Why it matters to India
This meeting underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nepal, a crucial neighbour for regional stability. The discussions on defence and security cooperation, including equipment supplies and joint military exercises, are vital for enhancing border security, counter-terrorism efforts, and disaster management capabilities in the region. Exploring collaboration in defence manufacturing facilities aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its objective of promoting regional self-reliance in defence. A robust security partnership with Nepal is essential for India’s geopolitical interests, contributing to a stable and secure sub-continent.