Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, has arrived in Kathmandu on an official visit to Nepal, where he is set to be awarded the honorary rank of “General of the Nepal Army.” This prestigious recognition underscores the enduring and strong military ties between India and Nepal, a tradition that dates back to 1950.
Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Gen Dwivedi was warmly welcomed by Major General Madhukar Singh Karki on behalf of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Nepal Army. Accompanying Gen Dwivedi is a five-member delegation, and the visit marks an important step in reinforcing bilateral military relations.
During his stay, Gen Dwivedi is expected to engage in extensive discussions with various high-ranking officials. He will meet with General Sigdel and is scheduled to hold talks with prominent figures including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai. These meetings aim to address issues pertinent to the bilateral relationship between the two neighboring nations.
A highlight of the visit will be the ceremony at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, where President Paudel will officially confer the honorary title upon Gen Dwivedi. This ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, further solidifying the tradition of recognizing the army chiefs of both countries with honorary ranks.
The Nepal Army has articulated its belief that such high-level exchanges contribute significantly to the maintenance and strengthening of long-standing traditions that characterize the relationship between the Indian and Nepali armed forces. The historical context of these exchanges reflects the deep-rooted kinship and cooperation between the two armies.
Geographically, Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which adds a layer of strategic importance to their military collaboration.
Accompanying Gen Dwivedi on this visit is his spouse, Sunita Dwivedi, who serves as the chairperson of the Army Wives Welfare Association of the Indian Army, marking a significant representation of familial and welfare aspects of military life during the visit. This gesture signifies the commitment of both nations not only to military alliances but also to the welfare of the families connected to the armed forces.
