Kathmandu— Chief of the Indian Army, General Dhiraj Seth, arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday at the invitation of Nepal’s Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. The four-day official visit underscores the close military ties between Nepal and India, with a special ceremony scheduled for Monday where President Ramchandra Paudel, as Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army, will confer upon General Seth the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army. He arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport Sunday afternoon and was welcomed by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC and other senior officers.

Arrival and Official Welcome

General Seth arrived in Kathmandu aboard an Air India flight at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, where he was received with honors by Nepali Army officials. The welcoming party included Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC and other senior officers.

Tradition of Honorary Ranks

The conferral of the honorary rank is a longstanding tradition dating back to 1950, symbolizing the close relationship between the two nations’ armies. Since then, both Nepal and India have reciprocally awarded their respective army chiefs with the honorary rank of General in each other’s forces, demonstrating mutual respect and friendship.

Upcoming Ceremony

A special ceremony will be held at the President’s Office on Monday where President Ramchandra Paudel will officially bestow the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army upon General Seth. Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, spokesperson for the Nepali Army, confirmed the details of the event.

General Seth assumed his position as Chief of the Indian Army on June 30th and is expected to continue meetings and engagements with Nepali military leaders throughout his visit.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.