India and Nepal Unite to Counter Terror: A Regional Response to Pakistan-Based Threats

On July 9, 2025, the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organised a high-level seminar in Kathmandu titled "Terrorism in South Asia: Challenges to Regional Peace and Security." NIICE focuses on fostering dialogue and cooperation on international and regional issues, particularly those affecting South Asia. Its initiatives contribute to shaping policy discussions on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and collaborative security measures, emphasising Nepal's role in these efforts.

The event brought together over 150 participants, including senior political leaders, diplomats, security experts and academics, to discuss the growing threat of terrorism in South Asia and its impact on regional stability. A key focus was on terrorism originating from Pakistan, with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed posing serious risks to neighbouring countries, especially India and Nepal.

Nepal's open border with India makes it vulnerable as a transit route for terrorists, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation. The seminar emphasised the spill-over effects of terrorism on peace, economic integration and regional organisations like SAARC. The event underscored the urgent need for collective action and robust counter-terrorism frameworks to safeguard South Asia's peace and security.

The seminar, titled "Terrorism in South Asia: Challenges to Regional Peace and Security", concluded that Pakistan-based terrorism poses a significant threat to the entire South Asian region. Dr. Pramod Jaiswal, NIICE Research Director, highlighted Pakistan's decades-long support for terrorist groups, citing a recent admission by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Experts pointed out that UN-designated terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which operate from Pakistan, continue to threaten India and potentially use Nepal as a transit point. Former Defence Minister Minendra Rijal emphasised that terrorism spilling over from India affects Nepal, disrupting regional peace and stalling initiatives like SAARC and economic integration.

The seminar underscored the urgent need for enhanced intelligence sharing and joint border patrolling between India and Nepal to effectively counter terrorism. Participants also stressed the importance of curbing money laundering and avoiding double standards in counter-terrorism efforts. Nepal's security faces significant challenges as its open and porous border with India is increasingly exploited by terrorist groups operating from Pakistan, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

These groups use Nepal as a transit corridor to infiltrate India, putting Nepal at risk of becoming a hub for cross-border terrorism. Past incidents, including the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 from Kathmandu, highlight Nepal's vulnerability. The recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed the life of a Nepali national, further underscores the spillover effects of regional terrorism on Nepal's security and stability.

To safeguard its sovereignty and regional peace, Nepal must strengthen border management, enhance intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries and implement robust counter-terrorism measures. Preventing the misuse of its territory is crucial not only for Nepal's own security but also for maintaining peace and cooperation in South Asia. Collective vigilance and proactive action are essential to stop Nepal from becoming a corridor for terrorism.

India has taken robust measures to counter the threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), potentially using Nepal as a transit route to target India. Following intelligence inputs, India and Nepal have intensified security along their porous 1,751 km open border, including joint patrols by India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) at high-risk points such as Bardiya and Ganeshpur-Laukahi corridor. Stricter entry protocols now require valid identification and personal details from all crossing individuals. Additionally, India and Nepal have enhanced customs cooperation and intelligence sharing to curb smuggling and infiltration, reinforcing regional security collaboration
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The NIICE seminar highlighted the critical importance of India-Nepal cooperation in countering terrorism threats that jeopardise regional peace and security. For both countries, strengthening intelligence sharing, joint border patrols, and coordinated security measures is essential to prevent terrorist infiltration and safeguard their citizens. Enhanced collaboration not only curbs cross-border terrorism but also fosters trust and stability, creating a conducive environment for economic growth and regional integration.

By addressing security challenges collectively, India and Nepal can revive initiatives like SAARC and promote sustainable development across South Asia. Ultimately, a united and proactive approach will ensure peace, stability and prosperity, enabling both nations to focus on their broader goals of social and economic advancement while protecting their shared borders from terrorist threats.

(Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He was awarded the Vice Chief of the Army Staff Commendation card on Army Day 2025. He is pursuing a PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies. His research focuses include the India-China territorial dispute, great power rivalry, and Chinese foreign policy.)