New Delhi: General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, is on an official visit to India from December 11 to 14, 2024. His visit underscores the ongoing efforts to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between Nepal and India through a series of high-level engagements and discussions.
Ceremonial Tributes and Honours
The day commenced with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where General Sigdel paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. This symbolic act reflected Nepal’s respect for shared values of courage and sacrifice.
Following this, General Sigdel received a formal Guard of Honour, a ceremonial gesture symbolizing the strong friendship between Nepal and India. The event, attended by senior officials of the Indian Army, was held at South Block, where General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief of Staff, welcomed General Sigdel.
Strategic Dialogues and Collaborative Briefings
General Sigdel engaged in comprehensive discussions with his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi. The two leaders explored ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, address regional security challenges, and strengthen the strategic partnership between their nations.
As part of the collaboration, General Upendra Dwivedi announced the handover of a Target Practice Drone and medical equipment for field hospitals to the Nepali Army, reinforcing India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s defence capabilities.
General Sigdel also received briefings from senior Indian Army officials on India’s security strategies and areas of mutual interest. The sessions highlighted opportunities for joint efforts, with a focus on fostering greater collaboration between the two armies.
Engagements with Senior Officials
The Nepali Army Chief met with several senior Indian defence and foreign policy officials, including National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. These meetings facilitated discussions on broader defence and security issues, strengthening the foundation for long-term partnership and mutual understanding.
General Sigdel also interacted with representatives from India’s defence industry, where he acknowledged the country’s strides in “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) and commended ongoing efforts in indigenous defence production.
Evening Banquet
The day’s engagements will conclude with a banquet hosted in General Sigdel’s honour by General Upendra Dwivedi. This informal gathering aims to foster personal rapport and mutual trust between the military leaders, further solidifying the close ties between the two nations.
Strengthening Defence Ties and Regional Security
General Ashok Raj Sigdel’s visit highlights the commitment of Nepal and India to bolstering their military partnership while focusing on regional security and peace. The productive interactions with senior military and government officials are expected to pave the way for enhanced defence collaboration, reinforcing the shared vision of both nations for a stable and secure region.
