Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, has initiated a significant official visit to India aimed at bolstering the defence ties between the two neighboring nations. The visit commenced on December 10 and is anticipated to extend until December 14, 2024, during which several high-profile meetings and ceremonies are scheduled.
Upon his arrival, General Sigdel received a warm welcome from the Indian Army. His itinerary includes meetings with key Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, among others. These discussions are focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and seeking new avenues for collaboration between the Indian and Nepali forces.
On December 11, General Sigdel will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and will be honored with a Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns. He is expected to engage in a substantive dialogue with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, where he will receive a briefing on India’s security perspective from the Director General of Strategic Planning and insights on the Indian defense industry from the Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau.
A highlight of Gen Sigdel’s visit will occur on December 12, when he attends the Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a gesture reflecting the longstanding traditions between the two militaries, he will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu. Following this, he will meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A reciprocal lunch is set to be organized by the Nepali Army Chief at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi.
Further activities include a sapling planting at the Manekshaw Centre, as Gen Sigdel’s agenda continues to emphasize environmental awareness alongside military cooperation.
The visit will then take Gen Sigdel to Pune on December 13, where he will inspect defence industries and participate in a static equipment display, engaging with representatives from the Indian defence sector. Later, he will travel to the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, where he will attend the Reviewing Officer’s Dinner.
The concluding day of General Sigdel’s trip, December 14, will see him review a parade of the Gentleman Cadets, taking the Reviewing Officer’s Salute. He will also have the opportunity to sign the Visitors Book and present awards to the Colour Party and Cane Orderlies, in addition to presenting the Reviewing Officer Plate and Sword. This day is particularly significant as he will participate in the “Pipping and Oath Taking” ceremony, welcoming two Nepali Army Gentleman Cadets who are about to be commissioned.
Following his official engagements, General Sigdel plans to visit Ayodhya to pay his respects at the revered Ram temple. The visit will conclude with his return to New Delhi for a farewell dinner hosted by General Chauhan before his departure for Kathmandu on December 15. This visit underscores the mutual commitment of Nepal and India to strengthen their defence relationship, ensuring their longstanding partnership continues to thrive.
