Visit of Nepal Army Chief, General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung

Shailesh Kumar

New Delhi

General Chhatra Man Singh Gurung, Chief of Nepal Army is visiting India from 11 Dec to 19 Dec 09. The visit assumes special significance in the light of enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

India has maintained strong diplomatic relations with Nepal in consonance with our Foreign Policy. The friendship between the two countries is based on common ideals and principles arising from a significant legacy of social and cultural commonality. Traditional linkages of the two Armies and Defence cooperation has been an important tool towards cementing this friendship.

India enjoys a special military relationship with Nepal, with large number of Nepalese domicile Gorkha soldiers and officers serving in the Indian Army. Sustained cooperation between the two armies is ongoing in the fields of training, visits, equipment cooperation and miscellaneous mutually beneficial activities.

The General and his delegation will be visiting his Alma Mater, the prestigious Indian Military Academy, Dehradun where the visiting dignitary had reviewed the Parade at the Passing Out Parade on 12 Dec 09. He will also visit Agra, Wellington and other Army training establishments. The delegation is scheduled to interact with Defence Minister, Defence Secretary, Chairman COSC and COAS, CAS and CNS and various other dignitaries.

Discussions on enhancing defence cooperation in the fields of training/courses, UN Peace Keeping, sports and adventure activities and defence industry cooperation are likely during this visit.

The visiting dignitary will also be conferred Hony rank of General of the Indian Army at a special investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan as per tradition in vogue.