Nepalese Army chief’s India visit from December 11, focus on Gorkha recruitment

Nepali Army Chief General Ashokraj Sigdel is set to embark on an official visit to India from December 11 to 14, weeks after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s official visit to the Himalayan country.
During his visit to India, General Sigdel will hold meetings with senior military and government officials to explore avenues for deepening defence cooperation. He will also serve as the Reviewing Officer at the passing-out parade of Officer Cadets at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
The Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Nepal in November 2024 and his visit had opened discussions on several critical defence issues, including training programs, joint exercises, and the possibility of resuming Gorkha recruitment into the Indian Army under the Agniveer scheme.
The recruitment of Gorkhas, historically a vital component of the Indian Army, has been a sensitive issue. Nepal temporarily halted the process following the introduction of the Agniveer scheme, citing concerns over its terms. General Sigdel’s visit provides an opportunity to continue these discussions and address Nepal’s reservations, potentially paving the way for a resumption of recruitment.
The Nepali Army Chief’s visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen their strategic and defence ties. If the resumption of Gorkha recruitment takes place, it will further deepen the relationship, providing Nepal with economic benefits and ensuring the continued contribution of the valiant Gorkhas to the Indian Army.
Observers see these high-level visits as a reflection of the shared commitment to regional stability and a stepping stone toward resolving pending issues in the defence relationship between India and Nepal.
During the visit, General Sigdel will also be conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu, an official statement said, adding that it will be continuing a long-standing tradition of mutual respect between the two armed forces.
Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi was honoured with the prestigious title of Honorary General of the Nepali Army during his visit to Nepal.