India, Nepal Army Chiefs discuss cooperation, regional security concerns

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel held an in-depth discussion today on various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and regional security concerns. General Sigdel is on a four-day visit to India from December 11 to 14.

During the meeting, General Dwivedi announced the transfer of a target practice drone and medical equipment for military field hospitals to Nepal. General Sigdel was also briefed on India’s security perspective and other matters of mutual interest.

The Army Design Bureau made a presentation during the discussions. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that these sessions provided valuable insights into India’s current and future security strategies, highlighting potential areas for collaboration.

Nepal, India hold first tourism meet

Kathmandu: The first Nepal-India Tourism Meet was held here to promote Maha Kumbh 2025 and strengthen tourism connections between the two neighbours, with officials underscoring the need to fully leverage the sector’s potential. The event was jointly organised on Tuesday by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. It focused on promoting Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and creating business-to-business (B2B) connections to foster the implementation of circuit tourism between Nepal and India, according to a press release issued by the Indian Embassy. Organised every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh will be held next year from January 13 to February 26. PTI

General Sigdel held high-level meetings with senior Indian defence and foreign officials, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. These meetings focused on broad defence and security issues of mutual interest, further strengthening bilateral ties, according to the MoD.

The Nepal Army Chief also interacted with representatives of India’s defence industry and commended the country’s efforts under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Earlier in the day, General Sigdel laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was accorded a formal Guard of Honour.

The MoD noted yesterday that the visit aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation and explore new opportunities for defence collaboration.

General Sigdel will be conferred with the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu.