Indian army chief conferred honorary general of Nepali Army

Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army upon Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas. The event, attended by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, underscores the enduring military and political connections between the two neighboring nations.

This conferment upholds a long-standing tradition that began in 1950, though military historians trace its roots to the Rana Prime Minister Bir Shumsher era. The practice of awarding honorary general status to each other's army chiefs signifies deep-rooted connections and has historically been a barometer of bilateral relations, even seeing pauses during periods of diplomatic strain.

Army Spokesperson Rajaram Basnet emphasized the tradition's significance, describing it as a reflection of "continuity of cultural, religious, historical, and friendly military relations." During his visit, General Seth paid respects at the Army Pavilion, inspected a guard of honor, and provided military and medical supplies as part of India's assistance to Nepal.

General Seth's three-day itinerary includes courtesy meetings with Nepali Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, addressing students at the Army Command and Staff College, and interacting with foreign trainees. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who holds the defense portfolio and was absent from the conferment ceremony.

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This unique tradition represents the continuity of cultural, religious, historical, and friendly military relations between Nepal and India.