General Upendra Dwivedi’s Visit To Nepal Strengthens Defence Ties
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi returned to India on November 24 after a successful five-day official visit to Nepal. The visit, which exceeded all stated objectives, further solidified the robust defence cooperation, cultural ties, and mutual respect between the two nations. It underscored the shared commitment of the Indian and Nepali armies to fostering peace, security, and partnership in the region.
During his visit, the COAS engaged extensively with Nepal’s political and military leadership. He held high-level meetings with the President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and defence minister Manbir Rai. He also engaged in meaningful discussions with his Nepali counterpart General Ashok Raj Sigdel, along with other senior military officers. Characterised by openness and mutual respect, these interactions reflected the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
The COAS visit commenced with his paying tributes to Nepal’s bravehearts by laying a wreath at Bir Smarak, Tundikhel. Later, he reviewed a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters.
Strengthening India-Nepal ties was a central theme of the visit. General Dwivedi discussed aspects of mutual interest and avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with General Sigdel. The COAS was briefed by the director general of military operations (DGMO) of the Nepali Army and engaged in high-level discussions with other senior military leaders. These discussions focused on enhancing military bonds, joint exercises, training cooperation, and capability development, reinforcing the shared commitment to global peace and security. As a gesture of friendship between the two armies, the Indian Army presented Valour Mount horses and Sentinel dogs to the Nepali Army.
General Dwivedi was conferred the honorary rank of general of the Nepali Army by President Ram Chandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu. This unique tradition underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the Indian and Nepali armies. The COAS also experienced firsthand, the unique cultural and social bonds between the two countries and their armies. Increased cultural exchanges between the Indian and Nepali armies were also discussed, recognising their importance in strengthening bilateral ties.
Later the COAS delivered a lecture on ‘The Changing Character of War’ at the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri. He emphasised on strengthening and deepening the engagements for mutually building the competencies and capabilities of both armies. The COAS also attended an ex-servicemen rally at the Pension Paying Office in Pokhara, interacting with Gorkha veterans and veer naris of the Indian Army. The bond between the veterans and the Indian Army was very visible and thriving, reflecting their strong ties. The COAS lauded the role of veterans in the civil society, acknowledging their contributions across various fields. A heartfelt moment during the rally was his interaction with Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Gopal Bahadur Thapa (retd) of the 18th Battalion, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, which is the COAS’ own unit, showcasing a personal and emotional connection with the veterans. He also reiterated the government of India’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, including the announcement of an increase in the number of ECHS empanelled hospitals besides addition of two ECHS polyclinics, one each at Butala and Dungadhi. These initiatives are reflective of the government of India’s and Indian Army’s resolve towards the welfare of veterans.
General Dwivedi extended a formal invitation to the Nepali Army’s COAS to visit India, aiming to build on and amplify the outcomes of the current visit.