Kathmandu: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, concluded his four-day official visit to Nepal from August 16 to 19, 2026, aimed at further strengthening the longstanding defence and security partnership between Nepal and India.
General Seth arrived in Kathmandu on August 16 and was received by senior officials of the Nepali Army and representatives of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Defence cooperation and disaster preparedness discussed
On August 17, General Seth laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel and paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation.
He subsequently visited the Nepali Army Headquarters, where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. General Seth held talks with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army and Honorary General of the Indian Army, focusing on ways to further expand bilateral defence cooperation.
As part of India’s continued support for Nepal’s capability development, General Seth handed over vehicles and medical equipment to the Nepali Army to strengthen disaster preparedness and humanitarian response capabilities.
General Seth conferred honorary rank of General of Nepali Army
Continuing the longstanding tradition between the two countries, President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel conferred upon General Dhiraj Seth the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army at a ceremony held at Shital Niwas.
Following the ceremony, General Seth paid a courtesy call on President Paudel.
Interaction at Army Command and Staff College
On August 18, General Seth visited the Nepali Army Command and Staff College at Shivapuri, where he interacted with students and faculty members.
The interaction provided an opportunity for exchange of ideas and highlighted the importance of academic and professional cooperation between the armed forces of Nepal and India.
General Seth also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Nepal. Discussions focused on the longstanding Nepal–India
partnership, particularly cooperation in the field of defence.
Indian Army veterans felicitated in Pokhara
On August 19, General Seth travelled to Pokhara and interacted with Indian Army veterans. Addressing the gathering, he expressed appreciation for the exemplary service, dedication and sacrifices made by the veterans in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Veer Naris and gallantry awardees
were felicitated during the programme as a mark of respect and gratitude. Mobility equipment was also distributed to ex-servicemen to support their well-being and improve their quality of life.
General Seth also dedicated the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic at Kohalpur to the ex-servicemen community. The facility is expected to strengthen healthcare support for Indian Army veterans and their dependents residing in Nepal.
The four-day visit further strengthened the multifaceted Nepal–India relationship and reinforced cooperation in defence, security, disaster preparedness, military education and veterans’ welfare.
