New Delhi, January 20
India and Nepal today finalised the texts of the Extradition Treaty and the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
The documents were initialled at the end of the two-day Home Secretary-level talks between Nepal and India that concluded here today.
The Indian delegation was led by Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh and the Nepalese delegation was led by Home Secretary Chandi Prasad Shrestha. The Home Secretary-level talks were preceded by a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Border Management on January 17 and 18.
The two sides agreed to expeditiously complete internal procedures to enable early formalisation of these agreements. Once implemented, these instruments would significantly strengthen the legal framework for combating crime and terrorism, according to a press note issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Both sides reiterated their resolve not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the other side.
In this spirit, both sides agreed to further intensify cooperation through regular meetings and information sharing between the authorities concerned of adjoining border districts and at other levels.
India and Nepal have also launched several projects for improving infrastructure along the border and better rail and road connectivity. These projects will not only facilitate trade and transit but also contribute to better border management and enhanced security.
During talks, both sides exchanged views on various security-related issues of mutual concern, including the Maoist insurgency in Nepal and the security situation in border areas.
The modalities for strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating activities of terrorists, criminals and other hostile elements who are engaged in activities inimical to the interests of both India and Nepal, were also discussed.
