This article covers the political relationship between India and Nepal: how the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterises it, visits at the level of Head of State and Head of Government, ministerial exchanges, the bilateral institutional mechanisms, and cooperation in defence, security and legal matters. It is based on the MEA brief on India-Nepal bilateral relations of July 2026.

How the brief describes the relationship

According to the MEA brief of July 2026, India and Nepal share a unique relationship characterised by strong people-to-people linkages and cultural bonds. The brief calls it an "age-old, civilisational partnership" that continues to expand and progress, including in newer areas.

High-level exchanges

The brief states that regular exchanges at the leadership level have provided guidance for the further expansion of bilateral ties and the implementation of forward-looking initiatives. Over about the past twelve years, there have been 17 exchanges at the level of Head of State or Head of Government between India and Nepal. They include:

  • five visits by the Prime Minister of India to Nepal
  • ten Prime Ministerial visits from Nepal to India
  • a State Visit to Nepal by the President of India in November 2016
  • a State Visit to India by the President of Nepal in April 2017

Following the elections for the House of Representatives of Nepal held in March 2026, the leadership of both countries exchanged congratulatory messages.

Ministerial exchanges

Ministerial exchanges between India and Nepal take place regularly, including on the sidelines of regional and multilateral events. In the financial year 2025-26, there were three Ministerial visits from India to Nepal and five Ministerial visits from Nepal to India.

Among recent exchanges, the brief lists:

  • an official visit to India by the Foreign Minister of Nepal from 5 to 7 June 2026
  • the attendance of the Foreign Minister of Nepal at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Port Louis on 10 April 2026, where the Minister held a bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) on the sidelines

Bilateral mechanisms

India and Nepal have more than 40 bilateral institutional mechanisms, which continue to meet regularly. They cover areas such as border management, security issues, trade, power sector cooperation, cooperation in water resources, railways and energy.

At ministerial level, the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) is co-chaired by EAM and the Foreign Minister of Nepal. It has met 5 times since May 2014, and its most recent meeting took place in Kathmandu in 2024.

Defence cooperation

The brief states that the armies of both countries have a rich tradition of engagement through institutionalised bilateral mechanisms, visits, training, exercises (Surya Kiran) and the supply of equipment.

Among what the brief calls the more unique aspects of this cooperation are:

  • the tradition of according the rank of Honorary General to each other's Chiefs of Army Staff
  • the presence of Gorkha soldiers from Nepal in the Indian Army
  • the residence of over one lakh Indian Army ex-servicemen in Nepal

Security cooperation

India and Nepal cooperate in areas such as countering narcotics, cross-border crimes and money laundering. They are also strengthening interaction in training and capacity building on matters related to security.

There are several bilateral mechanisms for discussing cooperation on security matters, including border security. The brief describes engagement between the law enforcement authorities of both sides on such issues as regular and mutually beneficial.

In February 2026, India and Nepal signed the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLAA). According to the brief, the agreement will further enhance the effectiveness of investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings in both countries for the prevention of cross-border crimes.