The 1950 Treaty: How India and Nepal Maintain Open Borders

The 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed between India and Nepal on July 31, 1950, established the foundation for their bilateral relations. The agreement enshrined mutual respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and a commitment to peace and friendship. This treaty facilitates unrestricted movement across the 1,751-kilometer border. The treaty allows citizens of both countries to live, work, and conduct business in either nation, buy property, and move freely without visa or passport requirements. It has fostered strong cultural and economic ties, with Nepal relying heavily on India for trade and employment, and India viewing Nepal as a strategic buffer state.