Nepal’s Army Chief, General Ashokraj Sigdel, is poised to undertake an official visit to India from December 11 to 14. This visit comes on the heels of the recent trip by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal, aimed at enhancing the defense cooperation between the two nations.
During his four-day stay, General Sigdel is scheduled to engage in discussions with high-ranking military officials and government representatives in India, focusing on strengthening defense partnerships. A significant highlight of his visit will be his role as the Reviewing Officer at the passing-out parade of Officer Cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. This event underscores the longstanding military ties and mutual respect shared between the two armies.
General Dwivedi’s visit to Nepal in November opened up critical dialogues around various defense matters, including training initiatives, joint military exercises, and the contentious prospect of reviving Gorkha recruitment into the Indian Army under the newly introduced Agniveer scheme. Historically, recruitment of Gorkhas has been significant for the Indian Army, but concerns over the Agniveer scheme’s terms led to a temporary halt in recruitment, prompting Nepal to seek clarity on the process.
General Sigdel’s visit presents a timely opportunity to revisit these discussions and perhaps address the reservations held by Nepal, which might lead to the resumption of Gorkha recruitment. This potential development could not only fortify the military relationship between the two countries but also deliver economic advantages for Nepal while ensuring the esteemed contribution of Gorkha soldiers to the Indian Army continues.
Both nations appear committed to bolstering their strategic and defense ties, and observers note that such high-level visits signify a shared dedication to regional stability and a proactive approach to resolving pending defense issues.
Additionally, during his visit, General Sigdel is set to receive the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army, an honor that will be bestowed upon him by President Droupadi Murmu. This gesture further emphasizes the mutual respect and camaraderie that have characterized the relationship between the armed forces of India and Nepal, following the precedent set when General Dwivedi was conferred the honorary title of Honorary General of the Nepali Army during his visit to Nepal.
As preparations for General Sigdel’s visit continue, both India and Nepal remain optimistic about enhancing their defense collaboration, which stands to benefit both nations strategically and economically.
