Rajnath Singh holds meeting with Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and reiterates India’s commitment to strengthen ties with its neighbours

During a meeting with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of Army Staff of Nepal, on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing ties with its neighbors in accordance with the “Neighbourhood First Policy,” according to a Ministry of Defence news release.

During his four-day official visit to India, General Sigdel visited the country’s capital and spoke with the defense minister about the two countries’ bilateral defense cooperation.

“Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel called on Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today and held discussions, encompassing variety of issues including bilateral defence cooperation,” stated the Office of the Defense Minister on X.

Singh emphasized many aspects of defense cooperation, including training, frequent drills, workshops, and seminars to improve the Nepal Army’s capabilities, as well as the provision of defense stockpiles and equipment, according to the press release.

The defense minister underlined India’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with its neighbors and expressed satisfaction with the present status of bilateral relations between India and Nepal, emphasizing the two countries’ close connections.

Rajnath Singh also conveyed his profound satisfaction with the current state of the two nations’ very strong bilateral relations. “As close neighbors, India and Nepal have similar viewpoints on many issues of mutual concern,” he said, according to the press release.

General Sigdel was also honored by the Defense Minister on receiving the honorary title of General of the Indian Army.

At an investiture ceremony earlier today at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu awarded General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army in recognition of his outstanding military skills and incalculable contribution to strengthening Nepal’s long and cordial relationship with India.