In a significant development highlighting the longstanding military collaboration between India and Nepal, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is preparing for a four-day visit to Nepal next week. This visit takes place ahead of Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s planned official trip to China next month, his first since taking office in July.
General Dwivedi’s upcoming trip underscores a century of shared history, strategic interests, and robust security cooperation between the two nations. Defence sources indicate that the visit is poised to enhance bilateral ties, paving the way for further collaborations on various fronts, including joint military exercises, training programs, and strategic discussions addressing regional and global security concerns.
Nepal has maintained a close relationship with India through consistent military training exchanges, visits, and efforts to modernize its defence capabilities. This partnership is highlighted by the ongoing defence modernization initiatives, which have already seen over 300 Nepali Army personnel trained in specialized fields such as counterinsurgency, leadership development, and peacekeeping within India this year. Notably, Indian Army personnel also participate in training courses in Nepal, fostering mutual military enhancement.
During his visit, General Dwivedi is expected to engage in extensive discussions with his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, as well as interact with top political leaders in the Himalayan nation. A crucial aspect of India-Nepal military cooperation lies in the annual Surya Kiran joint military exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two armed forces. The next iteration of this pivotal exercise, which focuses on counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance, is scheduled for December 2024 in Nepal.
Additionally, the historical presence of a large population of Indian ex-servicemen in Nepal plays a significant role in fortifying the bonds between the two countries. General Dwivedi is also anticipated to visit the revered Muktinath Temple, which holds special significance as a place of pilgrimage and has recently been honored with the installation of ‘Bipin Bell’ in February 2023, commemorating India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat.
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s recent rise to power, following a coalition formation between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Nepali Congress, adds an intriguing dimension to the geopolitical landscape. While Nepali prime ministers traditionally maintain close ties with India upon taking office, Oli’s upcoming visit to China has been interpreted as a move reflecting a pro-China stance, signifying a potentially shifting dynamic in regional alliances. The unfolding events will be closely monitored as India and Nepal work to solidify their historical military partnership amidst evolving geopolitical realities.
