General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), embarked on an official visit to Nepal from November 20 to 24, 2024, in a move aimed at strengthening the close defence cooperation between the two nations. The visit underscores the historical and cultural ties shared by India and Nepal and seeks to enhance collaboration between their armed forces.
On November 20, 2024, General Dwivedi met with Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, followed by informal discussions with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS of the Nepali Army, at Shashi Bhawan. The following day, he was accorded a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters and participated in interactions with General Sigdel and the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Nepali Army, on matters of mutual interest. A highlight of the visit was the Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas, where the Right Honourable President of Nepal conferred upon General Dwivedi the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army, a unique tradition between the two nations. This was followed by high-level discussions to further boost defence ties and a banquet hosted by the Nepali Army COAS.
On November 22, 2024, General Dwivedi addressed student officers at the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course in Shivapuri, emphasizing shared military learnings. He also held discussions with the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. K P Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister, Mr. Manbir Rai, focusing on areas of mutual interest.
The following day, November 23, 2024, General Dwivedi attended an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara, where he felicitated Veer Naris and Gallantry Awardees and interacted with Indian Army veterans residing in Nepal. He also visited the Nepali Army’s Western Division Headquarters, receiving a briefing alongside the General Officer Commanding, Western Division. The day concluded with a banquet hosted by General Dwivedi for dignitaries in Kathmandu.
The visit, which concluded on November 24, 2024, marked a significant step in enhancing military cooperation between India and Nepal, fostering mutual trust, and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
