One of the major turning points in the long-standing relationship between the Indian and Nepalese militaries has been the visit of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, to India from December 11 to 14, 2024. This visit is especially significant because it comes after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Nepal in November and received the honorary title of General of the Nepali Army.
Strategic Conversations: During his tour, General Sigdel held discussions with high-ranking officials, such as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India. With the goal of fostering greater understanding and collaboration, the conversations centered on India’s security viewpoints and the country’s defense sector.
Ceremonial Events: He reviewed cadets and gave out medals at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun during the visit, and he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Industry Engagements: To further cement military-industrial cooperation, General Sigdel traveled to Pune’s defense industries to see static equipment displays and speak with officials from the Indian defense industry.
Cultural Engagements: Highlighting cultural linkages, the general also intended to travel to Ayodhya to pay obeisance at the Shri Ram Mandir.
In a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his stay in India, Indian President Droupadi Murmu awarded General Sigdel the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army. The military leaders of the two countries have a long-standing and strategic alliance, which is reflected in their custom of exchanging honorary ranks. High-level talks on strengthening defense cooperation and regional security were held during the visit with important Indian military and political figures, such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Further demonstrating the mutual respect and support between the two armed forces, General Sigdel also paid honor to fallen troops at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honor from the Indian Army. His interactions on this trip are thought to be crucial for developing military
