Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has arrived in Kathmandu for a significant official visit to Nepal, during which he is set to be honored with the prestigious title of “General of the Nepal Army.” This ceremony will take place in line with a longstanding tradition that dates back to 1950, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the Indian and Nepali military forces.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced the visit, emphasizing the importance of honoring this tradition of honorary rank conferment. Gen Dwivedi, leading a five-member delegation, was formally received at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Maj Gen Madhukar Singh Karki on behalf of Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, the chief of the Nepal Army.
Following his arrival, Gen Dwivedi engaged in discussions with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, focusing on matters pertaining to the bilateral relationship between the two countries. His schedule includes extensive dialogue with Gen Sigdel, as well as meetings with key political figures, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai. A notable highlight of this visit will occur on Thursday when President Paudel will bestow the honorary General rank upon Gen Dwivedi at a special ceremony at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas.
The Nepal Army has expressed its belief that such high-level exchanges contribute significantly to preserving and enhancing the long-standing traditions that underpin military relations between Nepal and India. The two countries share a lengthy border of over 1,850 km, which connects Nepal to five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Accompanying Gen Dwivedi is his spouse, Sunita Dwivedi, who chairs the Army Wives Welfare Association of the Indian Army. This visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two militaries and reinforce the spirit of cooperation that has historically defined their relationship.
