Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi is embarking on a significant four-day visit to Nepal amid rising tensions related to territorial disputes that have strained relations between the two nations. This diplomatic effort comes as Nepal has opted for a Chinese company to print its new 100 rupee currency notes, which will prominently feature a revised political map incorporating the contentious areas of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh. These territories, claimed by India, have been a longstanding source of conflict, complicating the traditionally warm relations characterized by familial ties and mutual cooperation between the two countries.
The Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region, strategically located at the tri-junction of the India-Nepal-China borders, has been at the heart of diplomatic disagreements. The Indian government has reacted sharply to Nepal’s unilateral move, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressing that it would not alter the existing status of the disputed territories. The 35 square kilometer Kalapani area is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, which shares a porous 80-km border with Nepal, while Nepal claims it as part of its Darchula district in Sudurpaschim province.
The diplomatic rift has been exacerbated by Nepal’s opposition to India’s Agniveer military recruitment scheme and the barring of Nepalese-origin Gurkhas from joining the Indian Army. General Dwivedi’s visit, beginning on November 20, is seen as a crucial initiative to mend fences and reinforce the historical military ties that have prevailed for over a century, bolstered by shared cultural and geographical factors.
Military cooperation remains a cornerstone of India-Nepal relations, and General Dwivedi’s visit is envisaged to enhance collaboration across various domains, including joint military exercises, training programs, and discussions on broader regional security challenges. An Indian official noted that this strong military partnership is vital in addressing regional security needs.
Generational exchanges for military training have been a hallmark of Nepal’s relationship with India. In 2023 alone, over 300 Nepalese army personnel were trained in specialized fields in India. The annual Surya Kiran joint military exercise, which focuses on counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance, is approaching its 18th edition in December, further solidifying interoperability and operational synergy between the two armed forces.
India has also played a supportive role in Nepal’s military modernization efforts by supplying critical military equipment and facilitating discussions through the Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (NIBCGSI), which has convened 15 times to address defense cooperation. The upcoming visit by General Dwivedi is expected to provide further momentum to these discussions, including enhancing disaster response strategies and bolstering regional security cooperation.
In addition to military engagements, General Dwivedi plans to visit the revered Muktinath Temple in Mustang district, significant to both Hindus and Buddhists. This pilgrimage also allows him to pay homage to the late General Bipin Rawat, India’s first chief of defense staff, whose memory is honored at the site.
Another essential aspect of the India-Nepal military relationship is the tradition of bestowing the honorary rank of general on the respective army chiefs, fostering a personal dimension to military cooperation. Regular interaction at platforms such as the Retired Chiefs of Army Staff Conclave, with the last meeting held in New Delhi in March, affirms ongoing military collaboration.
Moreover, the presence of over 88,000 Indian ex-servicemen in Nepal plays a key role in reinforcing interpersonal ties between the nations. This community significantly impacts various sectors, including education and healthcare, and acts as a bridge facilitating socio-economic development and cultural exchanges.
Official sources believe that General Dwivedi’s visit is indicative of the enduring strength and commitment between India and Nepal in fostering regional stability and security while addressing common challenges like terrorism and extremism. Enhanced defense cooperation remains critical in ensuring lasting peace and stability in the broader South Asian landscape.
