Treaty of Peace and Friendship with India — Special Relationship, Open Border

Full Verified Record

Signed on 31 July 1950 in Kathmandu, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship established the foundational framework for Nepal-India relations. Key provisions: (1) citizens of both countries enjoy equal treatment in each other's territory — travel, residence, property, business, and movement without visas; (2) neither country may support a third power in activities threatening the other's security; (3) Nepal agreed to consult India before importing arms from any country not approved by India (the 'arms clause'). The treaty created the open border between Nepal and India — the longest open border in the world at 1,758 km. Critics call the treaty 'unequal' because India's security interests effectively constrain Nepal's foreign policy. Nepal has periodically sought revision, most recently after the 2015 India blockade.

३१ जुलाई १९५० मा हस्ताक्षरित भारत-नेपाल मित्रता सन्धिले दुई देशका नागरिकहरूलाई एकअर्कोको भूमिमा बिना भिसा प्रवेश र बसाइको अधिकार दियो। नेपालको खुला सिमाना यही सन्धिबाट जन्मियो।

Why it mattered

The 1950 treaty shaped every aspect of Nepal-India relations for 75 years. The open border became critical to Nepal's economy — millions of Nepalis work in India. But the 'arms clause' constrained Nepal's foreign and security policy. The treaty's perceived inequality was a major driver of Nepali nationalism and the 2015 map redrawing controversy. As of 2026, the RSP government has flagged treaty renegotiation as a strategic priority.