India, Nepal conduct joint search operation for suspected Pakistani terrorists

On Friday, India and Nepal carried out a joint operation to patrol the international border after New Delhi received information regarding suspected terrorists in the neighboring nation, according to reports  . India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Nepal’s Armed Police Force (APF) performed the combined search operation in the dense forests of the area between the two countries. India and Nepal have a border that extends over 1,700 kilometers.

SSB commandant Ganga Singh told India Today, “During joint patrolling, soldiers from Nepal are with us in the fight against terrorism. We have very good relations with the Nepali forces. Every month, coordination meetings of the border forces of both countries are held. They are sharing their intelligence with us and we are sharing ours with them so that the suspects can be identified.”

He added that there was a markaz (Islamic organisation) in the Nepalgunj region which was frequented by Pakistanis for special functions.

“If something goes wrong, then these people inform us,” Singh said.

The SSB forces have also been keeping an eye on the Nepal border from watch towers and are prepared to handle any crisis with their INSAS guns, the commandant said.

As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, the Nepali government expressed solidarity with New Delhi.

In a statement, Nepal’s foreign ministry said, “Nepal stands together with all in the fight against terrorism. In line with its principled position, Nepal shall not allow any inimical forces to use its soil against its neighbouring countries.”

The comments emerged following increasing demands from Nepali lawmakers for the government to adopt a definitive position on terrorism, in light of Operation Sindoor, during which India targeted alleged terrorist camps within Pakistan. In the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 26 civilians, predominantly tourists and including a Nepali national, were killed by terrorists.