Article Posted on : - Dec 17, 2010

A file photo of Indian Army Chief V K Singh.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Army Chief General V K Singh will be conferred the rank of an honorary General of the Nepalese Army when he visits the Himalayan State from December 20 to 23, keeping with a long-standing tradition.

"Army Chief General V K Singh is leaving on a visit to Nepal from December 20 to 23 this year. During the visit, the Chief will be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepalese Army as per traditions," an Army press release said here Thursday.

Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav will confer the honorary rank on General V K Singh at a special investiture ceremony in Kathmandu.

Nepal Army Chief General Chhatra Man Gurung was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Pratibha Patil during his visit here in December last year.

Gen Singh, during his visit to Nepal, will also go around the Nepalese Army training establishments and interact with that country's Prime Minister and Defence Minister, apart from the Army Chief.

"Discussions on enhancing defence cooperation and mutually beneficial projects are likely to take place during this visit," the release said.

India has maintained strong diplomatic relations with Nepal and there have been a series of high level visits in recent past.

"The friendship between the two countries is based on common ideals and principles arising from a significant legacy of social and cultural commonality. Traditional linkages of both Armies and Defence Cooperation have been important tools towards cementing this friendship," the release added.

India enjoys a special military relationship with Nepal, with a large number of Nepalese domicile Gorkha soldiers and officers serving in the Indian Army.

Sustained cooperation between the two armies happen in the fields of training, expeditions and various mutually beneficial military activities.