General Upendra Dwivedi’s Visit to Nepal
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, is set to visit Nepal from November 20 to November 24. This visit is at the invitation of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army.
Key Events During the Visit
During his stay, General Dwivedi will pay tribute at the martyrs’ memorial in the Army Pavilion and will be honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters. He will also have an official meeting with General Sigdel.
General Dwivedi will interact with student officers at the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri and visit the Western Divisional Headquarters in Pokhara. A significant event will be the conferral of an honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army upon him by the President of Nepal.
Meetings with Nepal’s Leaders
In addition to military engagements, General Dwivedi will meet with the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister of Nepal.
India-Nepal Relations
Nepal shares borders with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The countries have strong cultural and civilizational ties, highlighted by people-to-people connections. Nepal is a priority partner for India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.
India and Nepal have a long-standing tradition of awarding honorary ranks of General to each other’s Army Chiefs. The relationship between the two armies is further strengthened by the Gurkha Regiment, with over 30,000 Gurkha soldiers from Nepal serving in the Indian Army.
India supports ex-Gurkha soldiers and their families through various welfare programs, including pension disbursement and re-training initiatives.
Doubts Revealed
General Upendra Dwivedi -: General Upendra Dwivedi is the Chief of the Indian Army. He is a high-ranking officer responsible for leading the Indian Army.
Nepali Army Chief -: The Nepali Army Chief is the top leader of the army in Nepal. Currently, this position is held by General Ashok Raj Sigdel.
Martyrs’ memorial -: A martyrs’ memorial is a place where people remember and honor those who have died for their country. It is a symbol of respect and gratitude for their sacrifice.
Guard of Honour -: A Guard of Honour is a special ceremony where soldiers stand in formation to show respect to important guests or leaders. It is a way to welcome and honor them.
Honorary rank -: An honorary rank is a special title given to someone as a sign of respect and friendship. It does not come with the usual responsibilities of that rank.
Gurkha Regiment -: The Gurkha Regiment is a group of soldiers from Nepal who serve in the Indian Army. They are known for their bravery and have a long history of military service.
Mutual honorary ranks -: Mutual honorary ranks are special titles exchanged between the army chiefs of two countries. It shows friendship and cooperation between their armies.