The Indian Army Chief is in Nepal to enhance existing bilateral defence ties

Beginning his four-day visit to Nepal, India's Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande called on Nepalese Army Chief General Prabhu Ram Sharma in Kathmandu on Monday.

Taking to Twitter, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu wrote, "General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff met General Prabhu Ram Sharma, Chief of Army Staff, Nepali Army. #IndiaNepalFriendship @adgpi @meaindia @thenepalesearmy @NaSpokesperson"

Later on, General Pande gifted the Nepali Army weaponry and small vehicles to improve their technical capabilities.

Before meeting Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, COAS General Pande paid homage at Bir Smarak in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. Additionally, he also planted a sapling at the headquarters of the Nepali Army.

The Indian Army Chief is in Nepal to enhance existing bilateral defence ties and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“General Manoj Pande #COAS proceeded on a four-day visit to #Nepal. The visit will provide an opportunity to enhance existing bilateral defence ties and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the Indian Army had tweeted on Sunday.

During his Nepal visit, the Indian Army Chief will call on both Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. He will also meet with the country's top military and civilian officials to explore ways to strengthen defence ties between India and Nepal.

The Indian Army Chief will receive the honorary title of General of the Nepal Army, continuing a long legacy of friendship between the two forces.

The relationship between India and Nepal is long-standing, complex, and distinguished by shared cultural and civilizational links, in addition to mutual respect and trust. In keeping with its "Neighborhood First" and "Act East" policies, India gives its relationship with Nepal top priority.

This visit will provide India and Nepal a chance to assess their current bilateral defence relationships and develop working relationships in areas of shared interest.