Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi has commenced a significant five-day visit to Nepal aimed at enhancing defense partnerships and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This visit marks an important step in strengthening the ties between India’s armed forces and the Nepalese military.
On his first day in Nepal, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with Naveen Srivastava, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal. This meeting served as a crucial starting point for his visit and set the tone for further interactions. Following this initial engagement, he held an informal discussion with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, his Nepali counterpart, which paved the way for more structured bilateral talks.
On the second day of his trip, General Dwivedi is set to receive a ceremonial guard of honor at the headquarters of the Nepali Army, an event that underscores the respect accorded to him and the strategic importance of the visit. This will be followed by a formal meeting with General Sigdel, where they are expected to address matters of mutual concern. Additionally, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Nepali Army will provide a briefing on issues that are of shared interest to both nations.
A highlight of the visit will occur later the same day when General Dwivedi will be honored with the prestigious Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Ram Chandra Poudel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas. This ceremonial acknowledgment reflects the long-standing military and cultural ties between the two countries.
General Dwivedi’s schedule includes meetings with high-ranking officials, including Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defense Minister Manbir Rai, where discussions will focus on defense cooperation and regional security matters. The Army chief is also scheduled to address officers participating in the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri, demonstrating India’s commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with its neighbor.
On November 23, he will attend an ex-servicemen rally in Pokhara, where he is expected to interact with Indian Army veterans living in Nepal and honor ‘Veer Naris’—the widows of soldiers—and gallantry awardees. This aspect of the visit reflects India’s recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.
General Dwivedi will also visit the Nepali Army’s Western Division Headquarters, where he will receive briefings on operational matters, further solidifying the collaborative efforts in defense.
The Army chief will conclude his visit on November 24 before returning to India, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing efforts to enhance military ties and address shared security concerns in the region. This visit is expected to yield fruitful discussions and pave the way for further cooperation between the Indian and Nepali armed forces.
