A new example of the decades-old military relations between India and Nepal was seen in a dignified ceremony organized at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu. Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel honored Indian Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth with the title of 'Honorary General' of the Nepalese Army. This honor of General Seth, who reached Kathmandu on his four-day official visit, gives a new height to the unbreakable trust and defense partnership between the two countries. Unique tradition continues since 1950: The tradition of giving the title of 'Honorary General' to each other's army chiefs has been going on between India and Nepal since 1950. This tradition not only reflects the military cooperation between the two countries, but also symbolizes shared cultural and historical values. During this felicitation ceremony, many senior officials including Nepal's Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava were present. During the visit, General Seth held detailed discussions with Nepalese Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel on ways to further deepen bilateral military ties. Strengthening defense cooperation and exchange of equipment During his visit, General Dheeraj Seth also handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepali Army. This step is an important initiative towards increasing mutual trust and technical cooperation between the armies of the two countries. Earlier, General Seth was given a 'Guard of Honour' at the Nepalese Army Headquarters, after which he further strengthened the symbol of friendly relations between the two countries by planting saplings in the headquarters premises. The Indian Embassy has described it as a proof of the time-tested defense partnership between the two countries. Interaction with ex-servicemen and Pokhara visit On the last leg of his visit, General Dheeraj Seth will participate in the ex-servicemen rally to be organized in Pokhara. During this, he will interact with ex-servicemen of the Indian Army and honor brave women and gallantry award winners. The deep social and cultural ties of 'Roti-Beti' between India and Nepal are at the center of this military diplomacy. Religious affinities like Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya make both the countries natural partners, standing together to ensure regional peace and democratic principles.
