General Dwivedi’s visit highlights India-Nepal’s century-long military ties, built on shared history, strategic interests, and robust security cooperation.
New Delhi: Ahead of Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s first official visit to China next month, following his swearing-in as PM in July, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi will embark on a four-day visit to Nepal next week.
The visit marks another significant chapter in the evolving military diplomacy between the two nations.
General Dwivedi’s visit underscores the deep-rooted military ties between India and Nepal, which have flourished over a century of shared history, strategic interests, and cooperation on various security and defence matters.
“General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to further strengthen the ties, paving the way for continued collaboration on multiple fronts, including joint military exercises, training programs, and strategic discussions on regional and global security concerns,” said defence sources.
It is worthy to note here that Nepal has continued its close ties with India, with regular exchanges of military training, visits, and defence modernisation.
India and Nepal are critical partners in enhancing mutual military capabilities, particularly through training programs.
“General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to focus on the ongoing defence modernisation in both militaries, through various initiatives. This collaboration has seen over 300 Nepali Army personnel trained in India this year alone, in specialised fields such as counterinsurgency, leadership development, and peacekeeping. Similarly, Indian Army personnel also undergo courses in Nepal,” said defence officials.
General Dwivedi is set to hold extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart General Ashok Raj Sigdel, besides meeting the top political leadership of the Himalayan nation.
A key pillar of India-Nepal military cooperation is the annual Surya Kiran joint military exercise, which enhances interoperability between the two armed forces.
This exercise, which focuses on counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance, will see its 18th edition in December 2024 in Nepal.
The large population of Indian ex-servicemen in Nepal also plays an important role in strengthening the ties between the two countries.
General Upendra Dwivedi is also likely to visit Muktinath Temple in Nepal.
It was also learned that India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, wanted to visit the temple. In his memory, a bell named ‘Bipin Bell’ was installed in the temple in February 2023.
It is pertinent to note here that PM Oli took office in July, forming a coalition government between his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Nepali Congress, after his predecessor, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (known as Prachanda), lost a confidence vote in parliament.
Nepali prime ministers have traditionally made India their first port of call after assuming office. Still, Oli’s visit to China is being seen as a reflection of his pro-China policy.