India, Nepal agree to share intelligence to curb terrorism

Kathmandu, June 2: India and Nepal have agreed to exchange information to combat terrorism and curb criminal activities like human and drug trafficking and smuggling of Indian counterfeit currency across their open border.

During the annual Home Secretary-level talks between Home Secretary R K Singh and Nepalese counterpart Navin Kumar Ghimire that concluded on Saturday, both sides agreed to increase vigilance and cooperation in border areas. The day-long meeting mainly focused on border management, security and problems facing the people residing on both sides of the border, according to a press release issued by the Home Ministry of Nepal yesterday.

The two side agreed to tackle criminal activities such as human and drug trafficking, smuggling of Indian counterfeit currency and trade in illegal substances at the meeting. India has previously expressed concern over the emergence of new routes for infiltration into the country via Nepal.

Akhilesh Mishra, Joint Secretary (North) and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Jayanta Prasad were also present at the meeting. Singh expressed India's commitment to continue mutual cooperation.

India has agreed to train Nepalese security personnel involved in jail management, immigration management and local administration and provide assistance to upgrade the Nepal Police Academy, the statement said.

Both parties agreed to renovate and reconstruct dilapidated border pillars and to strengthen capacity of Armed Police Force of Nepal and to expand India's Seema Surakshya Bal to curb cross-border criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Nepal has agreed to deduct the tax of those Indian officials who provide training. The progress made in implementing the decisions taken during the last Home Secretary level meeting held in New Delhi in January 2012 was also reviewed during the meeting.

PTI