Nepal’s Armed Police Force and India’s Seema Surakshya Bal (SSB) have begun their 10th bilateral coordination meeting, with the two border forces discussing measures to improve security management and combat cross-border crime along the open India-Nepal frontier.
The two-day meeting began on 28 October 2026. Netra Bahadur Karki, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force Nepal, said the discussions would examine existing cooperation between the two organisations and identify ways to improve coordination. The agenda includes illegal activity in border areas, human trafficking, drug smuggling and the movement of illegal weapons and other materials.
Focus on border management and rapid information exchange
The discussions are being held under the guidance of the bilateral border-management mechanism. The forces are expected to review steps related to encroachments in no-man’s land, as well as the protection, maintenance and construction of border pillars. Regular coordination meetings and faster exchange of information are also part of the agenda, according to Karki.
The proposed improvements are intended to help the two agencies respond more effectively to risks that cross the international boundary. The meeting will also cover cooperation during pandemics and disasters that may affect communities on both sides of the border.
| Meeting | Participants | Duration | Main areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th bilateral coordination meeting | Armed Police Force Nepal and India’s SSB | Two days from 28 October 2026 | Border security, trafficking, smuggling, information-sharing and disaster response |
Regulation of movement and use of technology
A further issue is the need to strictly regulate the movement of third-country nationals through the open Nepal-India border. The meeting will also consider the use of suitable technology to make border management more efficient and modern, while strengthening the institutional capacity of both forces.
The agenda includes the possible establishment of additional help desks at border crossings to assist travellers. The two organisations are also discussing more effective joint arrangements for disaster preparedness and response. These proposals place operational coordination alongside measures intended to support people using authorised crossing points.
Engagement with border communities
The Armed Police Force Nepal and the SSB are also expected to discuss activities aimed at improving relations with communities living near the frontier. Friendly sports competitions have been proposed as one way of building contact between border residents and personnel from both organisations. The stated purpose is to strengthen mutual relations and cooperation while maintaining the security focus of the bilateral mechanism.
For India, the meeting is significant because the border agencies are addressing security concerns that require coordination on both sides rather than action by one force alone. The agenda combines the protection of border markers and no-man’s land with action against human trafficking, narcotics, illegal weapons and unauthorised movement. Karki said the talks would also seek to maintain regular contact and mutual trust between the Armed Police Force Nepal and the SSB.
- The two forces have started their 10th bilateral coordination meeting.
- Discussions cover trafficking, drugs, illegal weapons and third-country movement.
- Border pillars, no-man’s land, technology, help desks and disaster response are also on the agenda.
