New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), concluded his five-day official visit to Nepal on Sunday, underscoring shared commitment of the Indian and Nepali Armies to fostering peace, security, and partnership in the region.
The visit, which exceeded all stated objectives, further solidified the robust defence cooperation, cultural ties, and mutual respect between the two nations, an official statement said.
During his visit, the COAS engaged extensively with Nepal’s political and military leadership. He held high-level meetings with President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai.
He also engaged in meaningful discussions with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS, Nepali Army, along with other senior military officers. These interactions were characterised by exceptional openness and mutual respect, reflecting the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
During his visit, Gen Dwivedi, paid his tributes to Nepal’s bravehearts by laying a wreath at Bir Smarak, Tundikhel.
Strengthening India-Nepal ties was a central theme of the visit. the COAS, called on General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS, Nepali Army, and discussed aspects of mutual interest and avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
He was briefed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Nepali Army and engaged in high-level discussions with other senior military leaders. These discussions focused on enhancing military bonds, joint exercises, training cooperation, and capability development, reinforcing the shared commitment to global peace and security.
As a gesture of friendship between the two armies, the Indian Army presented valour mount horses and sentinel dogs to the Nepali Army.
General Dwivedi was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by the President of Nepal. This unique tradition underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the Indian and Nepali Armies.
The COAS experienced firsthand, the unique cultural and social bonds between the two countries and their armies. Increased cultural exchanges between the Indian and Nepali Armies were also discussed, recognising their importance in strengthening bilateral ties.
Enlightening the future leaders at the Nepal Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri, the COAS delivered a lecture on “The Changing Character of War”. He emphasised on strengthening & deepening the engagements for mutually building the competencies & capabilities of both Armies.
He also attended an Ex-Servicemen Rally at the Pension Paying Office in Pokhara, interacting with Gorkha veterans and Veer Naris of the Indian Army. The COAS lauded the role of veterans in civil society, acknowledging their contributions across various fields.
General Dwivedi also extended a formal invitation to the Nepali Army’s COAS to visit India, aiming to build on and amplify the outcomes of the current visit.
This visit, marked by comprehensive discussions and mutual respect, has reinforced the strong partnership between the Indian and Nepali Armies. The outcomes of the visit are expected to usher in a new era of collaboration, with a greater focus on defence cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional security.
UNI
