The visit highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthening their military ties
Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, who is visiting India to enhance bilateral military cooperation and explore new avenues for defence collaboration, met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday (December 12, 2024).

During their discussions, Defence Minister Singh highlighted the various facets of defence cooperation including training, regular exercises, workshops, and seminars to enhance the capability of Nepal Army as well as supply of defence equipment and stores.

Expressing “deep satisfaction” regarding the present status of extremely robust bilateral ties between the two countries, Singh noted that, as close neighbors, India and Nepal share similar perspectives on many issues of mutual concern. “He reiterated India’s intent to strengthen relations with its neighbors, in tune with the ‘Neighborhood First Policy,” the Ministry of Defence said after their interaction.

Interactions to Bolster Bilateral Collaboration
The visit has been marked with strategic discussions and briefings designed to bolster collaboration between the two armies.

On Wednesday (December 11, 2024), General Sigdel met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. They had an in-depth interaction where they explored various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and regional security issues. During their meeting, General Dwivedi announced the transfer of a target practice drone and medical equipment for field hospitals to Nepal.

Subsequently, General Sigdel was briefed on India’s Security Perspective by Director General Strategic Planning (DGSP) and on the Indian Defence Industry by Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau.

During his interactions with representatives of the Indian Defence Industry, General Sigdel appreciated the efforts under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

General Sigdel also met with several senior Indian defence and foreign officials, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. He interacted with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh; and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

These meetings facilitated the exchange of views on broader defence and security issues, focusing on matters of mutual interest and enhancing the friendship between Nepal and India.

Longstanding Tradition of Mutual Respect & Cooperation
The Nepali Army Chief was conferred with the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu at a special Investiture Ceremony in keeping with a unique tradition between Indian Army and Nepali Army. This gesture symbolizes the deep-rooted and historic ties between the two armies, reaffirming the longstanding tradition of mutual respect and cooperation.

Earlier, on Wednesday, General Sigdel visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony to pay tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. 

Following the wreath-laying, General Sigdel received a formal Guard of Honour. The ceremony, attended by senior Indian Army officials, symbolized the enduring friendship between Nepal and India. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, officially welcomed General Sigdel to the South Block.

On Friday, the visiting Nepali Army Chief will visit Defence Industries and witness Static Equipment Display at Pune. He will engage with representatives of the Indian Defence Industry. Thereafter, he would depart for Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, wherein he will attend the Reviewing Officer’s Dinner in the evening. General Sigdel will Review Parade of the Gentleman Cadets and will take the Reviewing Officer’s Salute on Saturday (December 14, 2024).

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit not only highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthening their military ties but also underscores their shared focus on regional security and peace. General Sigdel’s interactions with senior military and government officials are expected to pave the way for enhanced defence cooperation and strategic partnership in the future, the Ministry added.