The Sixteenth Meeting of the India-Nepal Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (INBCGSI) was held in Pune, India on June 23-24, fostering stronger regional security ties between the two nations. The Indian delegation, led by Additional Secretary (North), Munu Mahawar from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Nepali delegation, headed by Joint Secretary (South Asia), Gahendra Rajbhandari from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, brought together officials from both countries' defence ministries and military directorates.
During the two-day meeting, both sides engaged in productive discussions on a wide range of issues related to security and defence cooperation, including equipment supplies, training, joint military exercises, disaster relief operations, and military exchanges. The delegations also visited key public and private defence sector manufacturing facilities in Pune to explore possibilities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The INBCGSI, established in 2003, serves as the umbrella institutional mechanism between India and Nepal, coordinating bilateral defence and security cooperation. The meeting marked an important step forward in enhancing the friendship and partnership between the two nations, underscoring their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
By strengthening their defence ties, India and Nepal can better address common challenges and enhance regional security, ultimately contributing to a more stable and prosperous South Asia.