Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi engaged in significant discussions with his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Sigdel, focusing on enhancing collaboration between the armies of India and Nepal. The meeting, held at the Nepal Army Headquarters, underscored the strategic partnership and cooperative efforts aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighboring nations.
Arriving in Nepal on Wednesday for a five-day official visit, Dwivedi was invited by Sigdel. Accompanied by his spouse, Sunita Dwivedi, his visit marks an important opportunity to reinforce military relations and explore avenues for future collaboration.
On Thursday morning, before his meeting with General Sigdel, Dwivedi laid a wreath at Bir Smarak, the Martyr’s Memorial located at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, paying homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. This solemn act was followed by a formal reception, where he received a Guard of Honour at the army headquarters, reflecting the respect and dignity afforded to visiting military leaders.
In a ceremonial highlight of his visit, President Ramchandra Paudel is set to confer upon General Dwivedi the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army during a special event at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas. This prestigious recognition illustrates the mutual respect and deep historical ties between the Indian and Nepalese Armed Forces.
During his stay, General Dwivedi is also scheduled to visit the Army Staff College in Shivapuri, situated on the fringes of Kathmandu. This visit is anticipated to foster further discussions on military education and training, pivotal for future cooperation. In addition, he has plans for a mountain flight, allowing him to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, which could also serve as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
The visit is widely viewed as a reaffirmation of the commitment between India and Nepal to work collaboratively on defense matters, reflecting shared strategic interests in a region where both countries play significant roles. The discussions held during this visit are expected to pave the way for continued dialogue and cooperation in various domains, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration in military affairs.