Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has embarked on a four-day visit to Nepal to enhance the strong defence and strategic ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Gen Dwivedi is set to receive the honorary rank of "General of the Nepal Army" from Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel on Thursday, continuing a long-standing tradition that began in 1950.
This gesture underscores the enduring military camaraderie between India and Nepal.
The visit, which will run from 20 to 24 November, aims to strengthen military cooperation and explore new areas for collaboration.
Gen Dwivedi will hold extensive discussions with his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and is expected to meet with senior leaders, including President Paudel, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai.
The Indian Army has stated that the visit will also focus on enhancing bilateral military ties, including issues related to modernisation and joint training programmes.
Gen Dwivedi is scheduled to be briefed on matters of mutual interest by Nepal’s Director General of Military Operations at the Nepalese Army headquarters.
"India and Nepal share a deep strategic relationship, and we are committed to strengthening our defence cooperation," said an Indian Army spokesperson.
Gen Dwivedi’s trip follows the continued deepening of India-Nepal military cooperation, including regular training exchanges and the shared objective of modernising their respective armed forces.
A key highlight of this partnership is the annual 'Surya Kiran' joint military exercise, focusing on counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid, which will have its 18th edition in Nepal in December.
India’s support for Nepal’s military modernisation includes the supply of essential military hardware such as small arms, vehicles, and advanced training simulators.
Additionally, Gen Dwivedi is expected to visit the Shri Muktinath temple in the Mustang region, a pilgrimage site of spiritual significance.
The temple is also the location of the 'Bipin Bell', a memorial to India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, who had expressed his wish to visit the site before his passing.
The visit reflects Nepal's importance in India’s broader strategic calculations, particularly given Nepal’s reliance on India for the transportation of goods and services, as it is landlocked and has no direct access to the sea.
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