General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Indian Army Staff, has arrived in Nepal for a five-day official visit aimed at enhancing the long-standing military and cultural ties between the two nations. Accompanied by a five-member delegation, General Dwivedi landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu aboard Air India flight AI 2157 at approximately 1:45 PM.

The visit comes at the formal invitation of the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepal Army, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. Upon arrival, General Dwivedi was warmly welcomed by Major General Prem Dhwaj Adhikari, representing the Nepal Army. From the airport, he proceeded directly to Hotel Soaltee in Kalimati, where he will be based during his stay.

Cultural Engagements and Military Diplomacy

The itinerary for General Dwivedi’s visit reflects a blend of military diplomacy and cultural exploration. This evening, he will pay his respects at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most revered Hindu shrines. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to visit the iconic Muktinath Temple in Mustang via helicopter after a brief stop in Pokhara. These visits symbolize the shared spiritual and cultural heritage that underpins Nepal-India relations.

Conferment of Honorary Rank

A key highlight of the visit is the conferment of the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army upon General Dwivedi. This esteemed tradition, reflecting mutual respect and camaraderie between the two armies, will be officiated by Nepal’s President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ram Chandra Paudel, at a special ceremony tomorrow.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

This evening, the Nepal Army will host a dinner in General Dwivedi’s honor at the Chief of Army Staff’s official residence, Shashi Bhawan, in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. The event underscores the warm relations and mutual goodwill between the two militaries.

Earlier, General Dwivedi held discussions with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for deeper military cooperation. These talks emphasize the critical role of defense collaboration in fostering trust and security in the region.

Symbol of Historic Relations

The tradition of conferring honorary ranks between the two armies dates back decades, symbolizing the deep-rooted historical ties and mutual respect. General Dwivedi’s visit, therefore, is not just a reflection of military collaboration but also a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual connections between India and Nepal.

By blending military diplomacy with cultural engagement, the visit is expected to reinforce the robust relationship between the two nations, enhancing cooperation in areas of regional security, defense, and shared heritage.