New Delhi: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, is scheduled to visit Nepal from September 5 to 8. This is his first visit to Nepal as COAS.
During his visit, the Army Chief, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Defence, will call on Nepal's President, Prime Minister and the Chief of the Army Staff, apart from meeting with the country’s senior military and civilian leadership where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Nepal defence relations.
"Continuing a tradition of friendship between both armies, the Indian Army Chief will be conferred with the honorary rank of General of Nepal Army on 05 September 2022 in a ceremony at Sital Nivas, the official residence of the Right Honorable President of Nepal," the statement read.
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The COAS is scheduled to visit Nepal Army headquarters where he will pay homage to the fallen soldiers and have interactions with the senior leadership of the Nepali Army. During his visit, the COAS will also interact with the student officers and faculty of the Nepali Army Command and Staff College Shivpuri. Gen Pande is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba on September 6.
"India–Nepal relations are historic, multifaceted and marked by common cultural and civilisational ties, apart from mutual respect and trust. India attaches highest priority to its relationship with Nepal in accordance with its ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies," the statement added. The visit, it said, will provide an opportunity to take stock of the existing bilateral defence ties and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
