In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army upon Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday. This practice began in 1950 and symbolised the enduring camaraderie and strong bilateral ties between the Indian and Nepali armed forces.
General Dwivedi is on a five-day official visit to Kathmandu at the invitation of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Nepali Army’s staff. Upon his arrival, General Dwivedi paid tribute to martyrs at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, laying a wreath in their honour. He was later welcomed with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters, where he held discussions with General Sigdel on strengthening military cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of #NepaliArmy by Right Hon'ble President of #Nepal, Shri Ram Chandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas, #Kathmandu, as per the unique and long standing traditions between the two Armies.#COAS also called on the… pic.twitter.com/m4b1vX4LWP
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 21, 2024
The conferral of the honorary title reflects a unique tradition of mutual respect. The chief of the Indian Army and the Chief of the Nepali Army are conferred the honorary rank of General in each other’s armies. This tradition, which is exchanged every three years, underscores the historical, cultural, and strategic bonds that have linked India and Nepal for decades.
Beyond its ceremonial significance, the exchange of honorary generalship is a testament to the deep-rooted trust, solidarity, and shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The two militaries have a long history of collaboration, engaging in joint training exercises, military exchanges, and coordinated disaster response initiatives. These activities reinforce their shared values and mutual goal of enhancing regional security.
The unique socio-cultural bonds between India and Nepal, including open borders and shared heritage, further enrich this relationship. The exchange of honorary titles serves as a powerful reminder of the partnership that transcends formal diplomacy, reflecting a deep sense of camaraderie and shared strategic interests.
General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to cement the already robust ties between the two armed forces further. The honour bestowed upon him symbolizes the enduring respect and mutual admiration that define the relationship between India and Nepal while fostering greater cooperation and understanding in the years to come.
This ceremony, therefore, is not just an acknowledgement of past ties but also a commitment to future collaboration, ensuring that the partnership between the two nations continues to thrive.
Team BharatShakti
