Abstract

This article examines the realities and solutions surrounding the Nepal-India open border issue, focusing on its implications for Nepal's security. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on secondary literature, case studies, interviews, and focus group discussions. It highlights the challenges posed by Nepal’s landlocked geography and historical context. King Prithvi Narayan Shah's "Yam between two stones" approach exemplifies Nepal’s diplomatic balancing act between India and China. The open border with India spans 1,880 kilometers, while the Himalayas form a natural barrier along the 1,414-kilometer northern frontier with China. Nepal’s small size, population, and limited economic resources, including restricted access to sea routes, exacerbate its vulnerabilities. However, its strategic location offers opportunities for regional cooperation. Strengthening ties with both India and China, while positioning Nepal as a gateway to South Asia, can promote peace, stability, and development, transforming geographical challenges into prospects for progress.