Indo-Nepal Open Border: Impacts on National Security and Regional Stability of Nepal

Abstract

The open border between Nepal and India is one of the most unique border regimes in the world, letting citizens of both nations travel without needing to carry a visa or passport. This study examines the Nepal–India open border and its impact on Nepal’s national security through a qualitative analysis of secondary data derived from scholarly literature, government reports, policy documents, and security assessments. The study focuses on a holistic analysis of security, encompassing both the traditional and non-traditional security aspects, such as political, economic, social and human security. Analysis shows that the open border has played an important role in the economic growth, cultural exchange, education and cooperation of the region, but it has also opened up the field for vulnerabilities that have been taken advantage of by criminal networks and extremist groups. The study also shows that these security challenges have become more pronounced due to poor border governance, poor institutional coordination and changing threats across borders. The article proposes the adoption of border management arrangements and mechanisms in cooperation, intelligence sharing, technological surveillance, and legal frameworks to reconcile the practical and historical benefits of border openness against security concerns between Nepal and India.