General Upendra Dwivedi and General Ashok Raj Sigdel discussed issues of mutual interest and explored avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation..reports Asian Lite News
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi met his Nepali counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff, Nepali Army.
The two discussed issues of mutual interest and explored avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, according to a statement by the Indian Army, on Thursday.
General Dwivedi arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a five-day official visit at the invitation of General Sigdel.
Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Bir Smarak (Martyr’s Memorial) at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. He also received a Guard of Honour at the Army Headquarters.
Highlighting the strong ties between India and Nepal, General Dwivedi was conferred with the prestigious rank of Honourary General of the Nepali Army, a tradition that underscores the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and military bonds between the two nations.
This exchange of honourary generalships, a unique and cherished tradition between the Indian and Nepali Armies, dates back to the 1950s. Every three years, the Chief of the Indian Army is made an Honourary General of the Nepali Army, and vice versa.
The practice reflects mutual respect and enduring friendship, particularly in the realms of military cooperation, defence collaboration, and shared strategic interests.
The symbolic exchange of titles is more than a ceremonial gesture–it is a testament to the longstanding solidarity, trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
This tradition highlights the strong strategic partnership between the two forces, which collaborate on joint training, military exercises, and disaster response initiatives.
Both armies share similar values and a commitment to regional security, with the Honourary Generalship reflecting their unity and shared purpose.
The exchange is particularly significant given the unique socio-cultural bonds and open borders between India and Nepal. It underscores shared security interests and the deep camaraderie that transcends formal diplomatic relations.
This enduring tradition reinforces the friendship and cooperation that have defined the relationship between the two nations for decades.
General Dwivedi’s visit and the conferral of this honour will not only enhance military ties but also reflect the deep respect between the armed forces of India and Nepal, further advancing the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding. (ANI)
Gen Dwivedi conferred honorary rank of General of Nepal Army
Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Thursday conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army on Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Upendra Dwivedi.
General Dwivedi was presented a sword and a scroll at a special ceremony organized at the Office of President Sheetal Niwas, release from the Office of the President stated.
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai were among those who attended the event.
“General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM laid a wreath and paid homage to Martyrs at Army Pavilion, Tundikhel. Later, the Gen was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the NA HQ, where he also met with Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS, NA and discussed furthering military bilateral relations between India and Nepal,” Indian Embassy in Nepal said.
“In a gesture of everlasting friendship between the two armies the Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM COAS IA gifted military horses and military dogs to Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS NA. The Gen also planted a Rudraksha sapling in the premises of NA HQ,” it added.
Nepal and India have a tradition of conferring Army Chiefs of each other’s country with the honorary title for the past over seven decades. General Dwivedi, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday on a five-day official visit, will hold other meetings, besides receiving the honorary rank.
The five-member delegation, led by him, also includes Sunita Dwivedi, chairperson of the Army Wives Welfare Association of the Indian Army.
According to the Ministry of Defence, General Dwivedi is scheduled to address the student officers of Nepali Army Command and Staff Course, Shivapuri on Friday.
On Saturday, Dwivedi will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Pokhara, wherein the COAS will felicitate Veer Naris and Gallantry Awardees and he will also interact with the Indian Army veterans. “The COAS will visit Western Division HQ, Nepali Army and will be briefed in presence of General Officer Commanding, Western Division, Nepali Army,” it said. (ANI)
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