Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth has begun a three-day official visit to Nepal from August 17 to 19, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and long-standing military ties between the two countries.
The visit reflects the close relationship between the Indian Army and the Nepali Army. It will include high-level military engagements, institutional interactions, ceremonial events and meetings with senior dignitaries.
Meetings With Nepali Army Leadership
On August 17, General Seth will lay a wreath at the Army Pavilion at Tundikhel before receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters.
He will hold discussions with the Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army and receive a briefing from the Nepali Army’s Director General of Military Operations. The discussions are expected to cover issues of mutual military interest and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan. During the ceremony, President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel will confer upon General Seth the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army.
The honour continues a unique military tradition under which the Army Chiefs of India and Nepal are awarded the honorary rank of General in each other’s armies. The practice symbolises the exceptional institutional relationship between the two forces.
Interaction With Military Students and Senior Dignitaries
On August 18, General Seth will visit Shivapuri, where he will address student officers attending the Army Command and Staff Course.
He will also interact with instructors and foreign student officers. The Army Chief is scheduled to meet senior Nepali dignitaries and discuss matters of mutual interest.
Such exchanges provide both armies with an opportunity to share professional experience and strengthen cooperation in military training, strategic dialogue and regional security.
Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara
On August 19, General Seth will travel to Pokhara to attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally.
During the event, he will felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees and interact with Indian Army veterans residing in Nepal. The engagement highlights the deep human connections that have developed through generations of military service.
General Seth is scheduled to return to India later the same day.
India-Nepal Relationship Goes Beyond Defence
India and Nepal share extensive historical, cultural, religious and social ties. These connections are often described through the phrase “Roti-Beti Ka Rishta,” reflecting generations of close family and social relationships across the border.
Civilisational links such as the Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya connections further underline the cultural depth of the relationship.
Defence cooperation remains an important pillar of India-Nepal relations. Regular exchanges between military leaders, training cooperation, institutional contacts and engagement with veterans have helped maintain strong ties between the two armies.
General Seth’s visit is expected to reinforce this long-standing partnership while opening new avenues for military cooperation and dialogue. It also underlines the shared interest of India and Nepal in promoting regional peace, security and stability.
Official Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, Government of India — August 16, 2026.
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