On 31 July 1950, India and Nepal sign the Treaty of Peace and Friendship — the bilateral instrument regulating their special relationship, including free movement of people and security cooperation.

Signed in Kathmandu, the treaty provides consultations on security, reciprocal national treatment for citizens in certain fields and recognition of Nepal’s independence.

It has remained a contested pillar of India–Nepal relations: criticised in Nepal as asymmetric, defended in New Delhi as a guarantee of open ties.

The document has been politically renegotiated over decades, but the 1950 text remains the classic legal basis.

For Himalayan diplomacy, 31 July 1950 marks the signing of the India–Nepal peace and friendship treaty.

The official text is published by India’s MEA / diplomatic archives.

The India–Nepal Treaty of 31 July 1950 remains the reference for the special bilateral relationship.

Image: Nepal / India; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Treaty text: Treaty of Peace and Friendship (MEA India).