A Testament to India-Nepal Defense Partnership
New Delhi. 19 November 2024. In a significant gesture to enhance bilateral defense ties, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India, commenced a five-day visit to Nepal from November 20 to 24, 2024. This visit underscores the enduring friendship and close military cooperation between the two neighboring nations. With a packed itinerary, the visit will focus on fostering stronger military-to-military ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration.
General Dwivedi’s visit begins with a meeting with Naveen Srivastava, Indian Ambassador to Nepal. This will be followed by an informal interaction with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army, at Shashi Bhawan.
The day will feature a Guard of Honour for General Dwivedi at the Nepali Army Headquarters, discussions with his counterpart, and a briefing by the Nepali Army’s Director General Military Operations on areas of mutual interest. A key highlight will be the Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas, where the President of Nepal will confer upon him the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, a unique tradition symbolizing the strong ties between the two armies. The day concludes with a banquet hosted by the Nepali COAS.
General Dwivedi will address student officers of the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri and hold discussions with key Nepalese leaders, including Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai.
The COAS will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Pokhara, where he will honor Veer Naris and Gallantry Awardees and engage with Indian Army veterans residing in Nepal. He will also visit the Western Division Headquarters of the Nepali Army, receiving strategic briefings in the presence of senior officials. In the evening, General Dwivedi will host a banquet for dignitaries in Kathmandu.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s visit signifies the deep-rooted and unique defense partnership between India and Nepal, steeped in shared history and mutual respect. From honoring traditions to fostering new areas of collaboration, the visit reflects the enduring commitment of both nations to bolster their defense ties. It also paves the way for greater cooperation in addressing regional security challenges, highlighting the strategic importance of the India-Nepal relationship.
