India, Nepal agree to review 1950 Friendship Treaty

India and Nepal on Saturday agreed to review the 59-year old bilateral Treaty of Peace and Friendship which has been the subject of much criticism in the Himalayan state.

India and Nepal on Saturday agreed to review the 59-year old bilateral Treaty of Peace and Friendship which has been the subject of much criticism in the Himalayan state.

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The Foreign Secretaries of the two countries will "discuss and review" the 1950 treaty and "other bilateral agreements with a view to further strengthening the bilateral relationship", it was announced in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of five-day official visit of Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Under the 1950 Treaty, India has immense influence on Nepal's affairs, including defence and security matters, which some sections of the society feel amounts to encroachment of its sovereignty and want a review.

The Treaty, which has been a symbol of unique relations between the two neighbours, provides for an open border between the two nations and equal rights to their citizens in each other's country.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the preparation of boundary strip-maps, with Nepal agreeing to take necessary steps to facilitate their early signing.

Nepal, who held talks with his counterpart Manmohan Singh, assured New Delhi that it will not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India.

During the visit, a revised trade treaty and an agreement to control unauthorised trade, particularly from a third country, were initialed.