KATHMANDU:- An agreement has been reached between Nepal and India on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters.

Joint Secretary signed the agreement to this effect at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Binod Kumar Bhattarai, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, and Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, from the Indian government side.

Spokesperson of the Ministry, Dal Bahadur Adhikari, informed that the agreement on mutual assistance on criminal matters was signed as per the cabinet meeting held on 16 October 2025 in the presence of the Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.

He noted that the agreement will formally pave the way for cooperation and exchange matters such as the collection and exchange of evidence during the investigation, prosecution, and judicial proceedings of criminal cases between the concerned authorities of both countries.

Adhikari said that the agreement will make a significant contribution to enabling the rule of law and enhancing institutional coordination in the judicial administration.

With the implementation of the agreement, collaboration between the central authorities of both countries will become even stronger and more results-oriented, as stated in the press release issued by the Ministry.

Spokesperson Adhikari said the agreement will serve as a milestone in reducing fiduciary crimes in Nepal and making investigation, prosecution, and justice delivery more effective.

The agreement is also expected to further assist in mutual assessments related to the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The Ministry Secretary Parashwor Dhungana and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the ceremony.