Nepal Seeks India's Recognition of National ID Card

Nepal has formally requested India to recognize its National Identity Card (NID) as a valid travel document for Nepali citizens visiting the country. The Department of Immigration has submitted the proposal to the Indian government through diplomatic channels.

The proposal was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Home Ministry before being forwarded to the Indian authorities. According to Spokesperson Tika Ram Dhakal, the proposal has been sent, and the Foreign Ministry has forwarded it to the concerned authorities of India.

If India approves the proposal, the National Identity Card will become the third valid identification document for Nepali citizens traveling to India by air and land, in addition to the citizenship certificate and passport. Dhakal expressed hope that India would respond favorably to Nepal's request at the earliest.

Currently, Nepali citizens traveling to India, particularly by air, must carry either a citizenship certificate or a passport. Indian nationals traveling to Nepal by air are required to carry either a passport or a voter identity card issued by the Election Commission of India.

Nepal introduced the nationwide National Identity Card in 2018 as part of efforts to modernize public administration. The biometric card has since been made mandatory for accessing government services and banking facilities. The government also plans to eventually replace the traditional citizenship certificate with the National Identity Card.

India and Nepal share an open border under the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which allows citizens of both countries to travel and work across the border without visas. However, specified identity documents remain mandatory for both air and road travel between the two countries.

The recognition of the National Identity Card as a valid travel document would facilitate easier travel for Nepali citizens to India. Nepal is awaiting a formal response from the Indian side regarding the proposal.

The move is seen as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Nepal and India have a long-standing relationship, with many Nepali citizens living and working in India.

In conclusion, Nepal's request for India to recognize its National Identity Card as a valid travel document is a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. If approved, it would make travel easier for Nepali citizens and further strengthen the ties between India and Nepal.