New Delhi : General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), has embarked on an official visit to Nepal from August 17 to 19, 2026, aimed at further strengthening the close defence cooperation and military-to-military ties between India and Nepal.
Wreath-Laying and Guard of Honour
On August 17, General Dhiraj Seth will lay a wreath at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, and receive a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters.
He will hold discussions with the Chief of the Army Staff, Nepali Army, and will also be briefed by the Director General Military Operations, Nepali Army, on matters of mutual interest.
Later, General Seth will attend an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where, in keeping with the unique tradition between the Indian and Nepali Armies, he will be conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by Shri Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal.
COAS to Interact with Officers at Shivapuri
On August 18, General Seth will address student officers attending the Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri. He will also interact with instructors and foreign student officers participating in the course.
During the day, the Army Chief is also scheduled to meet senior dignitaries of Nepal to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore avenues for further cooperation.
Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara
On August 19, General Dhiraj Seth will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara. He will felicitate Veer Naris and Gallantry Awardees and interact with Indian Army veterans.
He will return to India on August 19.
India-Nepal Ties Rooted in Shared Heritage
India and Nepal share deep-rooted historical, social and cultural linkages, which form the foundation of their close relationship. The enduring people-to-people connection is often described as the ‘Roti Beti Ka Rishta’, while the Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya connections further reinforce the close ties between the two countries.
The partnership between India and Nepal is underpinned by shared democratic values and common interests in promoting regional peace and stability.
General Dhiraj Seth’s visit underscores the longstanding historical, cultural and military ties between the two nations and is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to explore new avenues of defence cooperation and further strengthen military-to-military relations.