Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung Calls for Stronger BIMSTEC Security Cooperation and Regional Disaster Preparedness

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung has called for stronger regional security cooperation, coordinated action against transnational crime and improved preparedness for climate-related disasters at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India, on October 13, 2026. The meeting concluded with the issuance of the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of member states to strengthening regional security cooperation and making joint efforts to address shared challenges. Gurung thanked the Government of India, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah and the BIMSTEC Secretariat for organizing the historic meeting, held 29 years after the establishment of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Gurung was described as the youngest home minister among the participating BIMSTEC member states. Addressing the meeting, Gurung identified terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, illicit financial flows and cybercrime as major challenges to regional security. “Addressing these crimes requires effective information sharing, technology and knowledge exchange, and coordinated action among member states,” he said, stressing the need for timely implementation of regional policies, plans and declarations. Calls for Regional Disaster Preparedness Framework Highlighting the growing risks posed by climate change, Gurung cited recent flooding in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi, Manang–Mustang and Budhi Gandaki areas of Gorkha as examples of the need for stronger regional cooperation in disaster management. He called for the development of a BIMSTEC regional disaster preparedness and response framework, along with the formation of a joint task force capable of responding effectively to emergencies across diverse geographical areas, from the Himalayas to coastal regions. According to Gurung, coordinated preparedness, rapid response and regional cooperation are essential to reducing the impact of climate-related disasters and protecting communities across the region. Gurung Raises BIS Certification Concerns with Amit Shah On the sidelines of the meeting, Gurung held discussions with Indian Home Minister Amit Shah on strengthening cooperation between Nepal and India on shared security concerns. Gurung also raised technical difficulties faced by Nepali industrialists and traders in accessing the Indian market, particularly issues related to certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The concerns were received positively by his Indian counterpart, according to the information provided about the meeting. The discussions marked an opportunity for Nepal to raise both regional security priorities and practical trade-related concerns with India, while underscoring the importance of cooperation among BIMSTEC member states in tackling transnational crime and preparing for disasters.