Nepal’s strategic location at the crossroads of South and North Asia presents both opportunities and challenges for regional security. The country’s borders with India and China are pivotal in managing cross-border crime, illegal trafficking, and the threat of violent extremism. The openness of the Nepal-India border, in particular, has long been exploited for smuggling, narcotics, and human trafficking, raising concerns about lax border controls and inefficient immigration systems. Similarly, the northern border faces unique security challenges that require timely and effective solutions, especially in light of expanding Nepal-China bilateral relations.
Since 2015, Nepal’s focus on federalism has overshadowed border management and counter-extremism efforts. While the federal system presents opportunities for improved security through provincial police forces, it also necessitates greater coordination between federal and provincial agencies.
This program aims to foster cross-context learning and stimulate dialogue among experts, practitioners, and policymakers. By sharing experiences and developing innovative solutions, it seeks to strengthen Nepal’s security framework and reinforce its role as a stabilizing force in Asia’s dynamic security environment.