SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF SUPRABAL JANASEWASHREE GENERAL ASHOK RAJ SIGDEL’S VISIT TO INDIA: STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES AND ACHIEVING KEY MILESTONES

The visit of Suprabal Janasewashree General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, to India from 11^th to 14^th December 2024 has marked a significant milestone in strengthening the longstanding ties between the Nepali Army and the Indian Army. The visit, which saw key engagements between senior leaders and officials from both sides, has further strengthened the foundation for enhanced bilateral military cooperation, exchange, and collaboration in areas of strategic and defence interests.

During his visit, General Ashok Raj Sigdel engaged in a series of productive discussions with his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. The talks focused on ways to expand and deepen the cooperation between the two armies, with several key outcomes from the visit, that will further strengthen the bond between both nations.

Key Outcomes of the Visit:

• High-Level Engagements. The COAS, Nepali Army had important discussions with key Indian leaders, focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and strategic alignment between India and Nepal:
• Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Defence Minister.
• Shri Ajit Doval, NSA.
• General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
• Mr Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary.
• Mr Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary.
• Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army. The COAS of the Nepali Army was conferred with the Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army, symbolising the deep and enduring friendship between the two military forces.
• Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at IMA Dehradun. The COAS of the Nepali Army served as the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The event included the commissioning of two Nepali cadets, Officer Cadet Binod Bhatta and Officer Cadet Prabin Pandey.
• Capacity Building and Capability Enhancement of Nepali Army. The visit resulted in agreements aimed at strengthening the operational and technological capabilities of the Nepali Army, including enhancing the scope of joint exercises. As part of the defence cooperation, General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS announced the handing over of a target practice drone and medical equipment related to Field Hospital to the Nepali Army.
• Visit to Indian Defence Industries (TASL & Bharat Forge). The COAS, Nepali Army visited key Indian defence industries, including Tata Aerospace & Defence Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge in Pune.
• Scaling up of Bilateral Joint Exercise Surya Kiran: The scope of bilateral joint military exercise Surya Kiran, which has been the flagship event between the two armies would be considered for enhancement after further mutual deliberations. This will further enhance the preparedness of both armies to undertake peacekeeping operations as both countries are one of the largest contributors to the UN PKO.
• Medical Cooperation: Assistance to the Nepali Army in the field of organ transplant, supply of life-saving drugs and sharing of experiences related to mental health of personnel and tele-medicine also came up for discussion.
• Cultural Exchange between Young Officers and Cadets was also discussed.
• Guest Lectures by Senior Officers: As part of the broader initiative to promote mutual learning, senior officers from both armies will undertake guest lectures at each other's military training establishments.
• Visits by High-Ranking Officers: The aspect of visits by high-ranking officers, including Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), to each other's military establishments, also came up for discussion.
• Reciprocal participation of Nepali Army Band in Indian Army Day parade was also discussed.
• Cultural Visit to Ram Mandir, Ayodhya: The COAS Nepali Army visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, reflecting the cultural and spiritual bonds that complement the growing defence and strategic ties between India and Nepal.

General Ashok Raj Sigdel's visit has proven to be a resounding success in furthering the longstanding friendship between the Indian and Nepali Armies. The various initiatives outlined above reflect a shared commitment to strengthen deep rooted bond between the two Armies.

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