By Staff Correspondent
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, is set to embark on an official visit to Nepal next week. This visit not only reinforces the strategic military diplomacy between India and Nepal but also represents a significant milestone in the long-standing military relationship that has developed over more than a century. These two nations have cultivated deep-rooted military ties rooted in shared history, cultural connections, and strategic interests, which have fostered collaboration on various security and defence matters.
The special relationship between India and Nepal is characterized by a complex interplay of cultural, historical, and geographical factors. This unique bond has evolved into a robust military partnership, playing a critical role in enhancing regional security. General Dwivedi’s visit is anticipated to further solidify these ties, paving the way for continuous collaboration across multiple fronts. These include joint military exercises, training initiatives, and strategic discussions addressing both regional and global security concerns.
Military cooperation between India and Nepal has remained strong, demonstrated by regular exchanges of military training, visits, and defence modernization efforts. Both countries are recognized as vital partners in strengthening mutual military capabilities, particularly through training programs tailored for their respective armed forces. General Dwivedi’s visit will likely focus on ongoing defence modernization initiatives that capitalize on shared military interests. Notably, India and Nepal have facilitated specialized training for Nepali Army personnel, with over 300 soldiers trained in India this year alone. These training modules encompass key areas such as counterinsurgency operations, leadership development, and peacekeeping, while Indian Army personnel also participate in courses conducted in Nepal.
One of the central components of the India-Nepal military partnership is the annual “Surya Kiran” joint military exercise. This exercise serves to enhance interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces and will witness its 18th edition scheduled for December 2024 in Nepal. With an expanded scope and complexity planned for this iteration, the exercise will afford both armies an invaluable opportunity to bolster their operational synergy in addressing common threats, including counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, India has been proactive in supporting Nepal’s military modernization efforts by supplying various forms of military hardware, including small arms, vehicles, and advanced training simulators.
The establishment of the Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (NIBCGSI) has greatly facilitated defence cooperation. To date, the two nations have convened 15 meetings under this forum to discuss and address various defence needs, resulting in numerous successful collaborations. General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to further enhance these engagements, promoting dialogues on improving disaster response mechanisms and expanding regional security cooperation.
Integral to the military relationship between India and Nepal is the tradition of conferring the honorary rank of General upon the Chiefs of Army Staff from both countries. General Dwivedi’s visit holds the potential to entrench this symbolic bond further, reaffirming the shared military legacy that both nations cherish.
Moreover, the significant population of Indian ex-servicemen residing in Nepal plays a pivotal role in reinforcing these bilateral ties. With more than 88,000 Indian Army veterans engaged in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and rural development within Nepal, this community acts as a vital bridge promoting people-to-people connections. The contributions of Indian ex-servicemen not only aid in socio-economic development but also foster cultural exchanges, thereby enriching the fabric of India-Nepal relations.
The camaraderie between the Chiefs of Armies from both countries is further exemplified by their regular meetings, such as the recently concluded Retired Chiefs of Army Staff Conclave held in Delhi in March this year. As General Dwivedi prepares for his upcoming visit to Nepal, the importance of this military diplomacy cannot be overstated. Strengthening India-Nepal military ties serves not merely as a strategic necessity but as a mutual reaffirmation of shared values and a commitment to bolstering regional security.
General Upendra Dwivedi’s anticipated visit to the Shri Muktinath Temple in Nepal holds important significance, not only as a spiritual journey but also as a reaffirmation of the robust military and diplomatic ties between India and Nepal. This visit follows in the footsteps of General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, who had expressed a desire to honour this sacred site. To commemorate General Rawat’s legacy, the installation of the ‘Bipin Bell’ in February 2023 stands as a poignant tribute to his contributions to India’s defence forces and his enduring connection to Nepal.
The impending visit of General Dwivedi underscores the continuance of strong military collaboration between the two nations, which is essential for maintaining regional security and stability. In an era marked by rising threats from terrorism and extremism, India and Nepal’s partnership in defence has become increasingly vital. This visit not only symbolizes the personal and historical bond between the military leaders of the two countries but also reflects a shared commitment to combating common threats that challenge the peace of South Asia.
As India and Nepal fortify their defence cooperation, General Dwivedi’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual support in addressing security challenges. The deep-rooted relationship, built on trust and shared objectives, positions the India-Nepal military partnership as a cornerstone for achieving a stable and secure regional environment. Thus, General Dwivedi’s pilgrimage to Shri Muktinath Temple is emblematic of a larger narrative of cooperation that continues to define the India-Nepal relationship in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
