Kathmandu— Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Dhiraj Seth, concluded meetings with key Nepali leaders including Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who also serves as Defence Minister, during a four-day official visit to Kathmandu. The visit, which began on Sunday at the invitation of Nepali Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, focused on strengthening bilateral military relations and included the conferral of an honorary rank and the exchange of military aid. General Seth and his five-member delegation are scheduled to depart Nepal on Wednesday.

Courtesy Calls and Official Ceremony

General Seth paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shah at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava also present. President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army upon General Seth during a special program held at Shital Niwas on Monday. This tradition of conferring the honorary rank has been maintained between Nepal and India since 1950.

Strengthening Military Ties

A bilateral meeting took place between Nepali Army Chief Sigdel and General Seth on Monday, where they discussed ways to further strengthen military relations and address matters of mutual welfare. During this meeting, General Seth presented the Nepali Army with military and health appliances as a gesture of cooperation.

Religious Observance

In addition to official engagements, General Seth visited Pashupatunath Temple on Tuesday morning to offer worship, demonstrating respect for Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage.

The Indian delegation is set to return home Wednesday, concluding a visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding military partnership between India and Nepal.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.