Cooperation between Maoist rebels (aka United People?s Front ? UPF) in Nepal and other sympathetic regional insurgencies, such as the Naxalites (aka People?s War Group ? PWG) of India has certainly increased. For example, a January 12, 2005 WAR Report analysis highlighted Maoist ?overtures toward both the Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO) in Bhutan and the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in India. Reports [even] suggest that the ULFA had set up camps in Nepal with the help of Maoists.? As such, the rebel outreach and convergence has provoked a series of bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts across South Asia.

The specific agreements described in the article referenced above is, inter alia, an updated revision of the 50-year old extradition treaty between the two neighbors to identify which insurgency and terrorism activities qualify as extraditable crimes. India and Nepal share a 1,800km unfenced boundary, and Maoists from both sides of the border travel across the frontier with ease. Other aspects of the counter-terrorism framework agreed to this past week include establishing Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at four select border entry points and enhanced cooperation focusing on the Maoists in Nepal and Naxalites of India. Notably, anti-terrorism units will be expanded, and India has pledged to provide ?high-quality training in counter-insurgency and equipment” in the coming months and years. These efforts echo many of the items discussed and finalized in recent Indian agreements and treaties with Russia , Myanmar (Burma) , South Korea , and even Pakistan as described in a December 15, 2004 WAR Report analysis. Despite the almost frantic bilateral efforts India is pursuing, the government is also deeply involved in regional multilateral anti-terrorism initiatives as well.

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