Kathmandu, Aug 19 (PTI) Indian Army chief General Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday concluded his four-day official visit to Nepal during which he met the country’s top leadership and discussed ways to expand the bilateral defence cooperation. General Seth, who arrived here on Sunday, met President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister and Defence Minister Balendra Shah and his Nepalese counterpart General Ashok Raj Sigdel.
“The visit helped strengthen the multifaceted India-Nepal relationship and deepen cooperation across various domains of defence and security,” the Indian Embassy here said in a statement on Wednesday.
General Seth was conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepali Army by President Paudel at a ceremony on Monday.
Nepal and India have maintained a longstanding tradition since 1950 of conferring the honorary rank of General on each other’s army chiefs.
On Monday, General Seth laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel and paid homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He also visited the Nepali Army Headquarters, where he met General Sigdel and discussed ways to expand bilateral defence cooperation, the statement said.
“Demonstrating India’s continued commitment towards capability development, General Seth handed over vehicles and medical equipment for enhancing disaster preparedness and humanitarian response capabilities,” it said.
On Tuesday, General Seth visited the Nepali Army Command and Staff College at Shivapuri and interacted with students and faculty members.
“The interaction provided an opportunity for meaningful exchanges of ideas and reaffirmed the importance of academic collaboration between the armed forces of India and Nepal,” the embassy said.
Subsequently, General Seth paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shah, during which they discussed the longstanding partnership between the two countries, especially defence cooperation.
On the last day of his visit, the Indian Army chief visited Pokhara and interacted with the Indian Army veterans.
Addressing the gathering, General Seth expressed his deep appreciation for the exemplary service, unwavering dedication, and supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army veterans in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, Veer Naris and gallantry awardees were felicitated during the event.
Mobility equipment was distributed to ex-servicemen to support their well-being and improve their quality of life, the statement said.
General Seth dedicated the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic at Kohalpur to the service of the Ex-Servicemen community.
“The establishment of the facility represents another significant milestone in strengthening healthcare support for veterans and their dependents in Nepal,” it said.
During his visit, the general also offered prayers at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. PTI SBP RD ZH RD RD
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