New Delhi, December 10 – The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, has commenced his official visit to India from December 11 to 14, 2024. This visit marks a significant step in bolstering the longstanding defence relations between India and Nepal.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the visit aims to strengthen military cooperation and identify new avenues for collaboration between the two neighbouring nations.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Ceremonial and Strategic Engagements
- December 11:
  - General Sigdel will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
  - He will be given a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
  - Meetings with Indian COAS General Upendra Dwivedi and briefings by the Director General Strategic Planning (DGSP) and Army Design Bureau.
  - Interactions with prominent leaders, 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.
Honorary Rank and Dignitary Interactions
- December 12:
  - Conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
  - Attendance at a high tea hosted at Rashtrapati Bhawan and a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
  - Participation in a reciprocal lunch at the Nepal Embassy, followed by sapling planting at the Manekshaw Centre.
Defence Industry Visit
- December 13:
  - Inspection of Defence Industries and static equipment display in Pune.
  - Engagement with Indian Defence Industry representatives.
Military Academy Events
- Visit to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
- Participation in the Reviewing Officer’s Dinner and Parade.
- Interaction with newly commissioned officers, including two Nepali cadets.
Religious and Cultural Engagement
- December 14:
  - Visit to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to pay homage.
Conclusion of the Visit
- Hosted for dinner by General Anil Chauhan in New Delhi before departing for Kathmandu on December 15.

Significance of the Visit

This visit underscores the deep-rooted defence ties between India and Nepal, anchored in shared traditions and mutual interests. The conferment of the honorary rank of General is symbolic of the historic camaraderie between the two armies. Additionally, the visit highlights efforts to expand cooperation in defence industries and enhance strategic collaboration.