Kathmandu: President Bidhya Devi Bhandari conferred the title of honorary chief of the Nepal Army (NA) on Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane amid a special program at Shital Niwas Thursday.
Naravane is on a three-day visit to Nepal.
Nepal and India have a tradition of conferring the honorary title to each other’s army chief since 1950.
General Naravane was conferred with the honorary title of Nepali Army chief – a historic tradition of displaying a unique closeness between Nepal and India.
He was also presented a sword and scroll during the function. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Nepal K.P Oli, Indian Ambassador Vinay M. Kwatra and other senior officials of both the countries.
The practice follows a seven decade old tradition of conferring Army Chiefs of each other’s country with the honorary title.
Commander-in-Chief General KM Cariappa was the first Indian Army Chief to be decorated with the title in 1950.
In January last year, Chief of Nepali Army, General Purna Chandra Thapa, was also made the honorary General of the Indian Army by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony in New Delhi.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari (L) with Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane at Shital Niwas. (Photo: Embassy of India)
General Naravane’s visit, observers say, symbolizes the deep-rooted military to military ties and will be a platform to further strengthen the defense cooperation between the two armies.
Also Read, Honorary title of Army Chief: A historic display of special bonding between Nepal and India
It is a “historic tradition” of displaying special bonding between the two neighbors.
Likewise, a squad of Nepal Army offered General Naravane a guard of honor at the Nepal Army headquarters today.
Also Read, Naravane’s Nepal visit: More than a routine affair
He also laid wreaths on the martyrs at Shahid Gate today.
Naravane will pay visits to Prime Minister KP Oli, who is looking after the Ministry of Defense, and his Nepal’s counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa before participating in a dinner reception to be organized in his honor by General Thapa.
Naravane who came to Nepal at the official invitation will return home on Friday.
– Khabarhub
