Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters in Kathmandu on Monday as he began a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening defence and military ties between India and Nepal.

A key highlight of the visit was Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel conferring on General Seth the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army. The honour reflects the longstanding military relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Guard of Honour in Kathmandu

General Seth received the ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters as part of his official engagements.

He also laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel. The Indian Army chief is visiting Nepal from August 17 to 19 at the invitation of Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel.

General Seth arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday with a five-member delegation. Nepal's Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC received him at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Honorary Rank Conferred

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred on General Seth the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava confirmed the development in a post on X, describing the honour as part of the “unique tradition” between the Indian and Nepali armies.

The practice of conferring the honorary rank of General on each other's Army chiefs dates back to 1950. It is regarded as an important symbol of the close and historic relationship between the two armed forces.

India-Nepal Military Ties

The visit comes as India and Nepal continue their military-to-military engagement through training programmes, professional exchanges and other defence-related cooperation.

The relationship between the two countries extends beyond defence and is supported by longstanding historical, social and cultural connections.

The Indian Defence Ministry has described the relationship between the two countries as being rooted in deep historical and cultural ties, often referred to as the “Roti Beti Ka Rishta”.

General Seth's visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and further strengthen military cooperation.

Bilateral Defence Talks

During his stay in Kathmandu, General Seth is scheduled to meet his Nepali counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, at the Nepali Army Headquarters.

He is also expected to receive a detailed briefing from the Nepali Army's Director General of Military Operations on issues of mutual strategic interest.

The meetings are expected to focus on areas of continued military cooperation and broader bilateral defence engagement.

The two countries have maintained regular interaction between their armed forces, including through military training and exchanges.

Visit to Shivapuri

General Seth's engagements will continue on August 18, when he is scheduled to visit Shivapuri.

He will address student officers attending the Army Command and Staff Course and interact with instructors as well as foreign student officers.

The Indian Army chief is also expected to hold discussions with senior Nepali dignitaries during the visit.

The engagement with military trainees and instructors will provide an opportunity to discuss professional and strategic issues relevant to both armies.

Pokhara Visit on August 19

On the final day of his Nepal visit, General Seth is scheduled to travel to Pokhara.

He will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally, where he is expected to felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees. He will also interact with Indian Army veterans living in Nepal.

The Pokhara programme highlights another important aspect of the India-Nepal military relationship, which includes longstanding connections with Indian Army veterans and the wider Gorkha community.

General Seth is scheduled to return to India after completing his engagements in Pokhara.

The three-day visit, including the conferment of the honorary rank and military-level discussions, underscores the continued importance both countries attach to their longstanding defence relationship.