COAS Sigdel and Indian counterpart hold talks at Army Headquarters

Kathmandu, November 21 – A bilateral meeting was held at the Army Headquarters, between Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel and Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who is currently on a visit to Nepal.

The discussions focused on mutual cooperation and interests between the armed forces of the two countries. During the meeting, a brief overview of the responsibilities and operations of the Nepal Army was presented by the Army spokesperson, Assistant Colonel Gaurav Kumar KC.

Earlier, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inspected the honor guard presented by the Nepal Army in his honor. On the occasion, the Indian Army Chief also planted a tree within the Army Headquarters complex. Additionally, General Dwivedi paid tribute at the Bir Memorial in Tundikhel by offering a garland.

Today, President Ram Chandra Poudel will honor General Dwivedi with the title of 'General of the Nepal Army'. This is General Dwivedi’s first official visit to Nepal since his appointment as Indian Army Chief on June 30, 2022. Tomorrow, he will meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defense Minister Manvir Rai for separate courtesy calls.

Since 1950, Nepal and India have had a tradition of awarding the honorary General title to each other's Army Chiefs. On November 10, 2021, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind awarded the honorary 'General of the Indian Army' insignia to then Nepal Army Chief Prabhuram Sharma.

Similarly, in September 5, 2022, Indian Army Chief Manoj Pandey was conferred the honorary title of 'General of the Nepal Army' by then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

The tradition of conferring such honors between the military leaders of neighboring countries is believed to play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and maintaining cordial ties. General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday afternoon for a five-day visit to Nepal at the formal invitation of Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel.