Article Posted on : - Nov 18, 2024

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi will embark on a four-day visit to Nepal starting November 20 to explore ways to further expand the already close defence and strategic ties between the two countries and review the evolving regional security situation.

In Kathmandu, Gen. Dwivedi will be conferred the honorary rank of "General of the Nepal Army" by Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel in continuation of an age-old tradition that first started in 1950, reflecting the strong ties between the two militaries.

The Army chief's visit to Nepal from November 20 to November 24 will mark another significant chapter in the evolving military diplomacy between the two neighbouring countries, sources in the defence establishment said.

It is expected to strengthen the defence ties, paving the way for continued collaboration on multiple fronts, including military exercises, training programmes and strategic discussions on regional security concerns, they said.

General Dwivedi is set to hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and likely to meet Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and other key leaders in the Nepalese government.

Nepal is important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old "Roti-Beti" relationship.

Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. Nepal's access to the sea is through India and it imports a predominant proportion of its requirements from and through India.

India and Nepal share a special relationship, reinforced by cultural, historical and geographical factors. This bond has evolved into a robust military partnership that plays a key role in enhancing regional security, the sources said.

General Dwivedi is also likely to visit the Shri Muktinath temple in Nepal's Mustang region.

It is learnt that India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, also wanted to visit the temple. In his memory, a bell named "Bipin Bell" was installed in the temple in February 2023.

Nepal has continued its close ties with India, with regular exchanges of military training, visits and defence modernisation.

India and Nepal are critical partners in enhancing mutual military capabilities, particularly through training programmes.

General Dwivedi's visit is expected to focus on the ongoing defence modernisation in both militaries through various initiatives.

Both countries offer courses to military personnel in reputed military institutions. This collaboration has seen more than 300 Nepali Army personnel undergoing training in India this year alone in specialised fields.

Similarly, Indian Army personnel also undergo courses in Nepal.

A key pillar of the India-Nepal military cooperation is the annual "Surya Kiran" joint military exercise, which enhances interoperability between the two armed forces.

The exercise, which focuses on counterterrorism, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, will see its 18th edition in December in Nepal, the sources said.

The scope and complexity of the exercise are set to be expanded, providing an opportunity to further improve the operational synergy between the two armies, they said.

India has been supporting Nepal in its military modernisation by supplying various forms of military hardware, including small arms, vehicles and advanced-training simulators.

Through the Nepal-India bilateral consultative group on security issues, the two countries have held 15 meetings to discuss defence cooperation and several equipment needs have also been met under this forum, the sources said.

General Dwivedi's visit will provide an opportunity to further enhance these engagements, including discussions on improving disaster-response mechanisms and expanding regional security cooperation, they said.

The large population of Indian ex-servicemen in Nepal also plays an important role in strengthening the ties between the two countries.