NEW DELHI, Nov 16:
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.
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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.(PTI)
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