KATHMANDU: Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, security along the Nepal-India border has tightened significantly. Concerns have emerged over whether this will affect the historically open and peaceful border between the two nations.
In this context, Khabarhub’s contributor Randhir Chaudhary sat with Nepali Congress leader and former Foreign Minister NP Saud during his visit to Jaleshwar, Mahottari, near the Indian border.
You visited Mahottari, a district bordering India. In light of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, border security has intensified. This has raised concerns about the future of the open border between Nepal and India. What is the stance of the current government and your party, the Nepali Congress, on this issue?
Terrorist activities aimed at achieving political goals are condemnable anywhere in the world. We strongly condemn the recent attack in Pahalgam, where both Nepali and Indian citizens lost their lives.
Nepal believes that no country should harbor or support terrorism. India and Pakistan are aware of the consequences of escalation and are likely to resolve such issues through diplomatic means.
Nepal and India have enjoyed a deep, historical relationship—marked by an open border, cultural exchanges, and developmental cooperation. I don’t believe this incident will damage the strong bilateral ties.
The current border restrictions, I think, are temporary. Both governments understand the importance of maintaining stability and will likely find a balanced solution that benefits both sides.
The Indian side has suggested that Nepal should also exert pressure on Pakistan not to support terrorism. Has Nepal taken any steps or formed any mechanisms in this regard?
Nepal has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms, regardless of where it occurs. We have publicly denounced the attack in Pahalgam. We believe that no country should provide shelter or support to terrorism. Terrorism is a shared enemy of global civilization.
Nepal’s stance is clear: our land must not be used for terrorism against any country. The Nepali Congress and the government are firmly committed to peace and regional security. We will continue to work closely with our neighbors to ensure that terrorism has no place in South Asia.
There’s historical precedent, like the IC-814 hijacking from Kathmandu in 1999, and reports of rising fundamentalist activities within Nepal. Has Nepal adopted any policies to prevent terrorist networks from taking root here?
Terrorist networks are expanding globally, and countering them requires international cooperation and intelligence sharing. Nepal has always maintained a strong stance against terrorism because it’s in our own national interest to ensure security and stability.
We recognize the need to prevent even the slightest foothold of terrorism within our borders. Our foreign policy reflects this commitment. As threats evolve, we are committed to strengthening our cooperation with regional and international partners to safeguard Nepal and the region.
Nepal currently chairs SAARC. How do you think Nepal can address the issue of terrorism through SAARC? What do you see as the future of SAARC?
As the current chair of SAARC, Nepal upholds the principle that all decisions within the organization must be made through mutual consensus. No step is taken without agreement among member states.
Nepal’s role is to foster harmony and constructive dialogue among all SAARC nations. While challenges exist, we remain hopeful that SAARC can be revitalized through cooperation and a shared commitment to peace, including collective action against terrorism.
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