Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel has embarked on a four-day visit to India, focusing on strengthening bilateral military relations and exploring new defense collaborations. This visit, taking place from December 11 to 14, follows a recent official trip by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal. Upon his arrival in Delhi, General Sigdel was received with warmth and respect by the Indian Army.
During the visit, a series of official engagements are planned. On Wednesday, General Sigdel will pay his respects by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour at the South Block Lawns. This will be a precursor to a key meeting with his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, where they will discuss matters of mutual military interest.
In a comprehensive schedule, General Sigdel will receive briefings on India’s security perspective from the Director General of Strategic Planning and insights into the Indian defense industry from the Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau. Their discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between the two countries in defense matters.
The Nepali Army chief’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with significant political and military figures, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Such meetings underscore the importance both nations place on their military partnership.
A highlight of General Sigdel’s visit will take place on Thursday when he attends an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Here, following a time-honored tradition, he will be bestowed the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Draupadi Murmu. This prestigious recognition will be celebrated with interactions during a high tea event at Rashtrapati Bhavan, offering opportunities to engage with other dignitaries.
The Nepalese Army chief will also have a significant meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh before attending a hosted lunch at the Nepal Embassy. In a continuation of cultural cooperation, General Sigdel plans to plant a sapling at the Manekshaw Centre before heading to Pune later that day.
While in Pune, he will delve into India’s defense capabilities by visiting industrial facilities and participating in a Static Equipment Display. This engagement will allow General Sigdel to meet and exchange views with representatives of the Indian defense industry, further solidifying defense ties.
The visit will culminate with General Sigdel’s attendance at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. He is scheduled to take part in the reviewing officer’s dinner and will preside over a parade where he will review gentleman cadets, including two Nepali Army cadets being commissioned. Throughout this engagement, he will have the chance to observe and participate in key ceremonial traditions, reinforcing the bond between the two countries’ armed forces.
Concluding his visit, General Sigdel will travel to Ayodhya to visit the Ram Temple before returning to Delhi for a dinner hosted by Chief of Defence Staff General Chauhan. He will depart for Kathmandu on December 15, marking the end of a significant visit that is aimed at fostering military cooperation between Nepal and India.
