Army chief leaves on a three-day visit to Nepal

New Delhi: Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag today left on a three day visit to Nepal during which he will meet with top leadership and witness a bilateral military exercise.

The visit assumes significance in the light of India s special relationship with Nepal, underpinning India s priorities in maintaining friendly relations in the region, a statement by the Army said.

The close ties of both the armies can be viewed in light of the unique tradition of honouring each other s Chiefs of Army Staff with the Honorary rank of General .

Presence of large number of Nepali Gorkha troops in Indian Army is also a key element in bilateral defence ties.

Upon his arrival at the Nepal Army Headquarters, he was accorded a Guard of Honour.

During the visit he paid a courtesy call to President of Nepal and interacted with the Chief of the Army Staff of Nepalese Army.

He is also scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of Nepal during his ongoing visit.

Gen Suhag will also be witnessing EX-SURYA KIRAN-X, a joint training exercise between Indian and Nepalese Armies being conducted at Saaljhandi, Nepal.