COAS General Seth meets Nepal PM Balendra Shah as part of four-day visit to the Himalayan Nation
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth met with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah during a four-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral military ties.
- The visit, from August 16-19, includes engagements with senior Nepali officials and military leaders, continuing a tradition dating back to 1950.
- General Seth was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth met with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu on Tuesday, as part of a four-day official visit focused on bolstering bilateral military relations. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was attended by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava.
General Seth arrived in Nepal on Sunday at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. His itinerary includes meetings with senior Nepali officials and military leaders, as well as interactions with officers and Indian Army veterans. This visit underscores the deep historical, social, and cultural ties between India and Nepal, often referred to as "Roti Beti Ka Rishta" (relationship of bread and daughters), which are further strengthened by shared civilizational links.
Earlier in his visit, on Monday, General Seth received the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army from Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel. This tradition, dating back to 1950, symbolizes the close relationship between the two armies, where the Army Chiefs are conferred honorary ranks in each other's forces. He also held bilateral discussions with General Sigdel, received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, and laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion.
Further engagements include a briefing on strategic issues from the Director General of Military Operations of the Nepali Army and interactions with student officers at the Army Command and Staff Course. The visit concludes on August 19 with a trip to Pokhara for an Ex-Servicemen Rally, where General Seth will honor veterans and gallantry awardees.
A courtesy meeting was held between Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and respected Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.