New Delhi, December 12, 2024 – President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army on General Ashokraj Sigdel, the Chief of Nepal’s Army. The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, continues the longstanding tradition of exchanging honorary military titles between the two nations, symbolizing their strong military and cultural ties.
General Sigdel is on a four-day official visit to India, during which he will also officiate as the Reviewing Officer for the passing-out parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. His visit coincides with discussions about bolstering India-Nepal defense cooperation, particularly the resumption of Gorkha recruitment into the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme, which Nepal had earlier suspended due to concerns over its terms.
The visit underscores efforts to strengthen bilateral defense and strategic relations, focusing on joint military exercises, training collaborations, and addressing mutual security concerns. These discussions reflect the shared commitment of both nations to maintain and enhance their historic partnership.
