The Distance Between Neighbors: Exploring The Miles Between Nepal And Afghanistan

Afghanistan and Nepal are two countries in South Asia with a distance of approximately 1,043 miles or 1,679 kilometres between them. Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and have had long bilateral relations. In recent years, Nepal has been evacuating its citizens from Afghanistan due to the Taliban takeover, with many Nepali nationals working as security personnel for foreign embassies and companies in the country.

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is 1,043 miles or 1,679 kilometres

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is quite significant, with these two countries being separated by a considerable expanse of land. Specifically, the distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is 1,043 miles or 1,679 kilometres. This is the distance as the crow flies, or in other words, the air travel distance. If you were to travel between these two countries in an aeroplane, it would take approximately 1.86 hours to cover this distance, assuming an average speed of 560 miles for the aircraft.

Now, if we consider the distance between the capital cities of these two countries, the distance increases slightly. The air distance between Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, is 1,064.3 miles or 1,712.8 kilometres. A non-stop flight between these two cities would take approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes, although the actual flight duration can vary depending on aircraft type and speed.

It's important to note that travelling on land between Nepal and Afghanistan would typically involve larger distances than the direct air distances mentioned above. The terrain and transportation infrastructure between these two countries can also affect the ease and duration of travel. Nevertheless, the air distance provides a useful reference point for understanding the relative proximity of these two countries.

The relationship between Nepal and Afghanistan is not solely defined by their geographical distance. These two countries have had diplomatic relations, and their historical connections date back to the time of the First Anglo-Afghan War, where Nepali troops were involved in the conflict. Despite the physical separation, the diplomatic ties and shared history create a connection between these two nations.

There are no direct diplomatic channels between the two countries

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is approximately 1,043 miles (1,679 kilometres) by air travel. Despite their proximity, there are no systematic and substantial direct diplomatic channels between the two countries.

Nepal and Afghanistan have long bilateral relations, dating back to the First Anglo-Afghan War, when Nepali troops joined the British "Army of the Indus" in the 1839 invasion. Official diplomatic relations between the two countries began on July 1, 1961. Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Nepal does not have an embassy in Afghanistan and instead relies on the Indian embassy for accreditation. This lack of a direct diplomatic presence has been highlighted in recent years, particularly during the 2021 Fall of Kabul, when Nepal struggled to evacuate its nationals from Afghanistan.

The movement of Nepali citizens to Afghanistan is primarily through illegal routes, due to the vulnerable security conditions in the region. The lack of direct diplomatic channels between the two countries complicates matters further, as Nepal relies on other countries, such as India, for assistance in repatriation efforts.

While Nepal has diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, the absence of a direct diplomatic channel impacts the country's ability to facilitate the movement of its citizens and may hinder effective communication and cooperation between the two nations.

Nepali security personnel have played a crucial role in protecting officials in Afghanistan

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is approximately 1,043 miles or 1,679 kilometres.

Now, onto the role of Nepali security personnel in Afghanistan.

Nepali Security Personnel in Afghanistan

Nepal and Afghanistan have long-standing diplomatic relations, and both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). During the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), Nepali security personnel played a crucial and brave role in protecting officials, diplomats, and companies in Afghanistan. These security personnel were often former Nepali, Indian, or British military members, and they were hired by private contractors to work in Afghanistan.

A Dangerous But Necessary Job

The job of these security personnel was dangerous, as they were often targeted by the Taliban. Despite the risks, many Nepalis were attracted to these jobs due to the good wages offered, especially considering that Nepal is one of the poorest countries in Asia. It is estimated that there were around 15,000 Nepali security guards in Afghanistan.

A Little-Known Role

The role of Nepali security personnel in Afghanistan gained attention in 2016 when 13 Nepali contractors protecting the Canadian Embassy in Kabul were killed in a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban. This incident brought to light the crucial and dangerous work that Nepali security personnel were undertaking in Afghanistan.

Evacuation Efforts

Following the Fall of Kabul in 2021, the Nepali government attempted to evacuate its nationals from Afghanistan. This process was challenging due to the lack of a Nepali embassy in Afghanistan and limited resources. The exact number of Nepali citizens in Afghanistan at the time was unclear, but it is believed that thousands of Nepali citizens needed to be evacuated.

A History of Military Support

The history of Nepali military support in Afghanistan dates back to the First Anglo-Afghan War, when Nepali troops joined the British "Army of the Indus" in the 1839 invasion. Nepali troops have also been deployed at the Afghan-Indian border and have participated in campaigns such as the Waziristan campaign (1919-1920). More recently, Gurkha fighters from Nepal were part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.

A Continuing Presence

Even after the Fall of Kabul, Nepali security personnel continued to serve in Afghanistan, protecting key institutions and embassies of various countries, including the UK and Canada. Their presence and bravery helped ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel and compounds during the chaotic evacuation period.

Nepali security personnel have indeed played a crucial and valiant role in protecting officials, diplomats, and compounds in Afghanistan. Their contributions, often undertaken at great personal risk, have been instrumental in maintaining the security and stability of diplomatic missions in a volatile environment.

Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is approximately 1,043 miles (1,679 kilometres) by air travel. This distance can be covered in about 1.86 hours by flight.

Afghanistan and Nepal are two of the eight member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia. It was founded in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 8 December 1985, with the secretariat based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The member states of SAARC, in addition to Afghanistan and Nepal, include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

SAARC was established to promote economic development and regional integration among its members. In 2006, it launched the South Asian Free Trade Area. The organisation covers 3% of the world's land area and, as of 2021, 21% of the world's population and 5.21% (US$4.47 trillion) of the global economy.

SAARC has defined several objectives in its charter, including:

• Promoting the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improving their quality of life.
• Accelerating economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region, providing individuals with the opportunity to live in dignity and realise their full potential.
• Promoting and strengthening collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia.
• Contributing to mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation of one another's problems.
• Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in various fields, including economic, social, cultural, technical, and scientific.
• Strengthening cooperation with other developing countries and international/regional organisations with similar aims.

SAARC Heads of State meet annually at summits, with the last one organised in Kathmandu in 2014. The organisation also designed and implemented a regional COVID-19 emergency fund amounting to around 22 million USD to foster cooperation among its members during the pandemic.

Despite their shared membership in SAARC, Afghanistan and Nepal have distinct bilateral relations that date back to the First Anglo-Afghan War. Nepali troops, known as Gurkhas, have a long history of serving in Afghanistan alongside British forces and, more recently, as part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.

In recent years, with the fall of Kabul and the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Nepal has been involved in evacuating its nationals from the country.

The US's withdrawal from Afghanistan could impact Nepal

The distance between Nepal and Afghanistan is approximately 1,043 miles (1,679 kilometres).

The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and its Impact on Nepal

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan could have several impacts on Nepal. Firstly, the withdrawal may result in a loss of jobs for Nepali nationals working in Afghanistan. There are an estimated 100 Nepalis working in Afghanistan, mainly in security and diplomatic roles. With the Taliban takeover, these individuals may be forced to return home, as their safety would be a primary concern.

Secondly, the US withdrawal and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government have already led to an influx of refugees fleeing Afghanistan. Nepal is currently hosting around 50 Afghan refugees, and this number is expected to rise due to the country's porous borders and weak immigration system. Nepal will need to prepare for a potential increase in refugee arrivals and ensure it has the necessary resources and infrastructure to accommodate them.

Thirdly, the US withdrawal and the potential rise of the Taliban could have broader geopolitical implications for the region, including Nepal. The Taliban's growing influence may embolden militant groups in neighbouring countries, such as India, and threaten regional peace and security. Nepal, as a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), should remain engaged in regional discussions and work collaboratively to maintain stability and peace.

Additionally, the US withdrawal may impact Nepal's relationship with the US. With the US shifting its focus away from Afghanistan, there may be a change in US foreign policy towards Central Asia, including Nepal. The US may outsource its Afghan policy to India, which could influence how Nepal navigates its relations with its neighbouring countries.

Lastly, the US withdrawal and the ensuing instability in Afghanistan may create opportunities for other regional powers, such as China, to increase their influence. China's Belt and Road Initiative aims to expand its economic and diplomatic influence, and the absence of US presence in Afghanistan may provide China with new opportunities to pursue its strategic interests in the region, potentially impacting Nepal's geopolitical dynamics.

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