Vinod Bhat
New Delhi (09 Nov, 2023):- The 7th Annual Co-ordination Meeting between Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), India, and Inspector General, Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal, concluded today in New Delhi with a strong commitment to bolster bilateral security efforts.
The Indian delegation, led by Smt. Rashmi Shukla, DG, SSB, comprised officials from SSB, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of External Affairs.
The Nepalese delegation, led by Sh. Raju Aryal, IG-APF, included representatives from APF, Nepal Police, National Investigation Department, Nepal, and the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi.
Deliberations during the meeting focused on the security scenario along the India-Nepal border.
Both sides unanimously resolved to implement additional measures to strengthen coordination and collaboration between the two border guarding forces. Emphasis was laid on curbing trans-border crimes, smuggling of arms and ammunition as well as combating human trafficking etc across the open and unfenced Indo-Nepal Border.
The Help Desks established by both APF and SSB at major transit points along the Indo-Nepal border will remain operational to facilitate the movement of citizens from both nations, particularly during festive seasons.
There was consensus on expanding the exchange-programs and exposure visits between both the forces as part of mutual capacity-building efforts.
The next Co-ordination Meeting is scheduled to take place in Nepal next year.