Nepal and India Sign Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters

Kathmandu. An agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters has been signed between Nepal and India.

The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Binod Kumar Bhattarai, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, on behalf of the Government of India.

Ministry Spokesperson Dal Bahadur Adhikari informed that the agreement was signed in the presence of Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha, in accordance with the decision made by the Council of Ministers on Ashoj 30 to proceed with the agreement.

Spokesperson Adhikari stated that the agreement will formally pave the way for the exchange of cooperation between competent authorities of both countries regarding matters such as collection and exchange of evidence during the investigation, prosecution, and judicial proceedings of criminal cases.

He mentioned that the agreement will significantly contribute to strengthening the rule of law and enhancing institutional coordination in the administration of justice. He expressed the expectation that cooperation between the central authorities of both countries will become stronger and more results-oriented with the implementation of the agreement.

Spokesperson Adhikari noted that the agreement will prove to be a milestone in reducing financial crimes in Nepal and making investigation, prosecution, and dispensation of justice more effective.

The agreement is expected to further assist in the mutual evaluation concerning the prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorist acts. Secretary of the Ministry Parashwar Dhungana and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the ceremony.