Nepal, India BCG meet on security issues

Kathmandu, June 9

The 12th meeting of Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues concluded today in New Delhi.

The meeting pledged to enhance cooperation in security and defence sectors.

The Nepali side discussed a fresh defence purchase from India to upgrade the Nepali Army as well as sought a waiver of Rs 2 billion from the Indian side a due from an earlier defence purchase, it is learnt.

According to a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, the BCG meet covered issues relating to mutual security cooperation as well as defence and training requirements.

Likewise, it also discussed exchange of experts and instructors in defence and security sectors, cooperation in disaster management and preparation for the upcoming 10th Surya Kiran Joint Military Exercise at the battalion level.

This exercise is to be held in Nepal during October-November this year.

Officials, however, didn’t share the outcome of the meeting.

Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary Prakash Subedi had led the Nepali delegation, while the Indian delegation was led by Abhay Thakur, joint secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs.