Kathmandu: Nepal’s Ministry of Defence has announced that General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, is scheduled to visit India from December 11 to December 14, 2024. This visit marks an important event in the ongoing military relations between the two neighboring countries.
In an official press statement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that during this visit, General Sigdel will be honored with the rank of Honorary General of the Indian Army by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The visit will include high-level meetings with key Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These discussions are expected to further strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nations.
One of the highlights of General Sigdel’s itinerary is his participation as a Reviewing Officer at the passing-out parade of Officer Cadets at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. This involvement underscores the close military cooperation and shared traditions between Nepal and India.
Notably, General Sigdel’s upcoming visit follows the recent trip by the Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, who visited Nepal from November 20 to November 24. During his visit, General Dwivedi was also conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by the President of Nepal, continuing a tradition that has been in place for over seven decades. This mutual practice of conferring honorary titles began with General KM Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief to receive such an honor in 1950.
General Dwivedi’s visit included meetings with top Nepalese leaders, including President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The exchange of honorary General insignia between the Indian and Nepali Armies has contributed significantly to the bilateral ties, which are bolstered further by the ongoing collaboration through the Gurkha Regiment. Currently, over 30,000 Gurkha soldiers from Nepal serve in the Indian Army, reflecting the deep-rooted bond of friendship between the two nations.
Furthermore, the regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal enhance the military and diplomatic relations, allowing leaders from both sides to review and strengthen their comprehensive partnership. As General Sigdel prepares for his visit, the anticipation surrounding this event highlights the significance of military diplomacy in fostering robust ties between Nepal and India.
