Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was given the title of Honorary General of the Nepali Army during his visit to Nepal. This honour shows the close friendship and strong relationship between India and Nepal.

The ceremony was held during General Dwivedi’s five-day visit to Kathmandu, which started on Wednesday. He was invited by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Nepali Army.

Exchange of titles since the 1950s

The practice of awarding honorary general ranks between the Indian and Nepali armies is a tradition that started in the 1950s. Every three years, the Chief of the Indian Army receives this honour from Nepal, and the Chief of the Nepali Army is similarly honoured by India.

This tradition shows the respect and friendship between the two countries. It reflects their long history of working together in the military, sharing common values, and working for peace in the region.

Strengthening military bonds

This exchange is more than a symbolic gesture. It expressed the close relationship between the armies of both nations. Indian and Nepali forces work together on joint training, disaster management, and security initiatives.

India and Nepal share an open border and deep cultural ties, making this honour even more meaningful. It reflects the unity and trust between the two countries and their commitment to regional stability.

General Dwivedi’s visit and the conferral of the honorary title underline the close bonds between the armed forces. It also strengthens the cooperation and mutual understanding that have defined the India-Nepal relationship for decades.

Who is General Upendra Dwivedi?

General Upendra Dwivedi is a senior officer in the Indian Army, with the rank of a four-star general. He is serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India, a position he took on 30 June 2024, after General Manoj Pande.

Born on 1 July 1964, General Dwivedi has held many important positions in his military career. Before becoming COAS, he was the Vice Chief of Army Staff, where he helped plan and guide key military strategies and operations.