The Trip to Nepal by General Upendra Dwivedi

INN/New Delhi, @Infodeaofficial

Next week, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi will make an official visit to Nepal, signalling the start of a new phase in the two countries’ developing military relations. The strong military relationships that have developed over a century of shared history, strategic interests, and collaboration on a range of security and defence issues between India and Nepal are highlighted by this visit.

A unique bond between India and Nepal has always existed, strengthened by geographical, historical, and cultural elements. relationship has developed into a strong military alliance that is essential to improving regional security. It is anticipated that General Dwivedi’s visit would deepen these connections even more, opening the door for future cooperation on a number of fronts, such as cooperative military drills, training initiatives, and strategic dialogues on issues of regional and international security.

Military Cooperation

With frequent military training exchanges, visits, and defence upgrading, Nepal and India have maintained their strong relationship. India and Nepal are important allies for improving each other’s military prowess, especially through training initiatives. It is anticipated that General Dwivedi’s visit will *concentrate on the continuous defence modernisation in both military, through a variety of projects. Military personnel in both nations can enrol in courses at reputable military institutes. Through this partnership, more than 300 Nepali Army soldiers have received training in India this year alone in specialised areas like peacekeeping, leadership development, and counterinsurgency. In a similar vein, Indian Army personnel also attend training in Nepal.

Joint Military Exercises and Cooperation

The yearly Surya Kiran joint military exercise, which improves interoperability between the two armed forces, is a crucial component of India-Nepal military cooperation. The 18th version of this exercise, which focusses on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and counterterrorism, will take place in Nepal in December 2024. This exercise will likely become more complicated and wide-ranging, offering a chance to further enhance the two forces’ operational coordination.

India has also helped Nepal modernise its military by providing a range of military equipment, such as sophisticated training simulators, trucks, and small guns. A number of equipment needs have been addressed through the 15 meetings the two nations have conducted to examine and address defence cooperation through the Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (NIBCGSI). Discussions on strengthening disaster response systems and extending regional security cooperation are only two of the topics that will be covered during General Dwivedi’s visit.

Honourary Military Rank and People-to-People Ties

The custom of bestowing the honorary rank of General upon the respective Chiefs of Army Staff of both nations is a fundamental aspect of the military cooperation. It is anticipated that General Dwivedi’s visit will strengthen this symbolic ties and reaffirm India and Nepal’s common military heritage.

The substantial number of Indian ex-servicemen in Nepal contributes significantly to the development of closer relations between the two nations. With more than 88,000 Indian Army veterans living in Nepal, many of whom work in fields like healthcare, education, and rural development, this group acts as a link between individuals, strengthening ties between them. A special and essential component of the bilateral relationship, Indian ex-servicemen support cultural interactions as well as socioeconomic growth.

The Retired Chiefs of Army Staff Conclave is a regular gathering of the two nations’ Chiefs of Armies, who have a strong friendship. The most recent conference took place in March of this year in Delhi. It is also probable that General Upendra Dwivedi may travel to Nepal to see the Shri Muktinath Temple. General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS, also desired to see the temple. In February 2023, a bell known as the “Bipin Bell” was placed in the shrine in his honour.

A Stronger Defence Partnership

An important development in the history of India-Nepal military diplomacy is General Dwivedi’s impending visit to Nepal. The visit demonstrates the two countries’ shared dedication to regional security, stability, and the battle against shared dangers like terrorism and extremism, in addition to the longstanding strength of their military ties. The military alliance between India and Nepal will continue to be crucial to maintaining peace and stability in South Asia as both nations strengthen their defence cooperation.