An agreement has been reached between India and Nepal on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters. The agreement to this effect was signed by Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava and Nepal’s Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Binod Kumar Bhattarai, on behalf of the Government of Nepal.

The agreement on mutual assistance on criminal matters was signed as per the cabinet meeting held on 16 October 2025 in the presence of Anil Kumar Sinha,  Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The agreement is expected to formally pave the way for cooperation and exchange of 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.

The agreement is expected to 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. 

The agreement serves 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 ceremony was attended by the Ministry Secretary Parashwor Dhungana and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.