Nepal-India Open Border and its Impact on National Security

Abstract

The dissertation attempts to address the research questions: The case of open border and analyze the concern of Nepal India open border? What are the prospects and problem of open border? What are the security challenges posed by Nepal-India open border to Nepal? India and Nepal have shared close relations for a very long time.Geographical factors have been reinforced by religious, cultural and ethnic affinities between the inhabitants of the Terai region and their counterparts across the border.The objectives include an analysis on interrelationships of people beyond the geographical territory and the investigation of exceptional issues created by an open border following security threats. The testimonials made by the experts and leaders having a substantive knowledge on open border will be used as the primary source of information. As India and Nepal share many commonalities, the open border canal ways be harnessed as a springboard for opportunities, which are aplenty on both sides of the border. Talking on the boundry, Nepal is surrounded by India to the West,East and the South except the North. The dissertation reflects that a practice of an open border between the countries has been remaining since the old age. The open border between India and Nepal not only have brought out the mutual security concerns but also fostered close socio-economic relations between the two countries. The unrestricted flow of people over the years has resulted in the dissemination of ideas, culture, and settlements of people in each other’s territory there by strengthening the bilateral social and cultural relations. The open border also has a favorable impact on two economies. An open border has also allowed many Nepalese citizens to find employment in India and Indians to open business ventures in Nepal. Despite the fact, the open border has been misused by terrorists and criminals.The extent of misuse of the open border by terrorists and criminals has led to a clamor in some quarters to rethink the rationale for keeping the border with Nepal open. While it is true that the open border has facilitated terrorist and criminal activities that are adversely impacting national security, it is equally important to recognize that an open border has also helped India and Nepal to develop and deepen socio-cultural and economic relations. The trafficking in girls and women, the mobility of fake Indian currency and explosive substances have challenged to the existing security system. The infiltration of illegal elements is really detrimental to the national security and integrity of the country. In present context, the borders cannot besealed off but can be legalized through conjoint and shared accountabilities to bring fresh momentum on natural flow and entry of people from one country to another practically.