Four-Day Diplomatic Visit Highlights Defence Cooperation Between India and Nepal

General Deepak Seth, the 31st Chief of the Indian Army, arrived in Kathmandu on June 30 for a four‑day diplomatic tour at the invitation of Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Singh Deo. The visit featured a series of high‑level interactions designed to cement defence ties that have endured for more than seven decades.

The ceremonial handing over of the honorary Nepali General rank took place on August 17, with President Ram Chandra Paudel presiding. Dignitaries such as Vice‑President Ram Sahai Prasad Yadav, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, and Chief Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki were in attendance, together with the Indian ambassador and regional defence attachés.

Accompanying General Seth was a five‑member Indian delegation, including his spouse Komal Seth, who heads the Army Wives Welfare Association. She met with Nita Chhetri Singh Deo, president of the Nepali Army Wives Association, to discuss collaborative welfare projects.

Key activities included a guard of honour inspection at the Nepali Army headquarters, a wreath‑laying ceremony at the war memorial in the Army Pavilion, and a formal dinner hosted by General Singh Deo. The two chiefs exchanged views on strengthening bilateral military relations, joint exercises, and counter‑terrorism cooperation. The visit culminated with a meeting between General Seth and Indian Ambassador Navin Srivastava, focusing on expanding strategic dialogue and confidence‑building measures.