Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has been conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu on August 17, 2026. The honour comes during General Seth’s official visit to Nepal, aimed at further strengthening the longstanding defence relationship between the two countries.
General Seth arrived in Nepal for an official visit focused on expanding military-to-military cooperation between the Indian Army and Nepali Army. The visit is scheduled from August 17 to 19 and includes high-level meetings with Nepalese military and government officials.
The conferring of the honorary rank represents a longstanding tradition in India-Nepal military relations. The two countries have followed the practice of awarding the honorary rank of General to each other’s Army Chiefs since 1950, reflecting the close historical and institutional relationship between their armed forces.
During his engagements in Kathmandu, General Seth held discussions with Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel on matters of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral military relations. General Seth also handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepal Army, adding a practical dimension to the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Army Chief received and inspected a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters. He also laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel as part of his official programme. The engagements underline the importance attached by both sides to maintaining close military contacts and institutional cooperation.
General Seth’s visit comes shortly after he assumed office as the Chief of the Army Staff. His decision to make Nepal one of his first major foreign engagements as Army Chief adds significance to the visit and underscores the importance of India-Nepal military relations.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both armies to review existing areas of cooperation and explore avenues for deeper engagement. India and Nepal share extensive defence links, including military exchanges, training cooperation and longstanding personnel connections.
General Seth is also scheduled to engage with student officers and military personnel during his visit, while the programme includes engagements outside Kathmandu. The Indian Army Chief’s interactions are expected to reinforce mutual understanding and maintain the close institutional relationship between the two neighbouring militaries.
The honorary General rank, combined with the high-level military discussions, highlights the enduring nature of India-Nepal defence cooperation. The visit is therefore significant not only as a ceremonial engagement but also as an opportunity to strengthen the broader military partnership between the two countries.
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