New Delhi: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth will undertake an official visit to Nepal from August 17 to 19, 2026, with the visit focused on strengthening India-Nepal defence cooperation and military-to-military ties.
A key highlight of the visit will be the conferment of the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army on General Seth by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel at an investiture ceremony in Kathmandu.
Honorary Rank to Highlight Unique Army Tradition
The conferment of the honorary rank reflects the longstanding tradition between the Indian and Nepali armies, under which the army chiefs of the two countries are conferred honorary ranks in each other’s armies.
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During his visit, General Seth is scheduled to:
- Lay a wreath at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel.
- Receive a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters.
- Hold discussions with the Chief of the Nepali Army.
- Receive a briefing from the Nepali Army’s Director General Military Operations on matters of mutual interest.
Army Chief to Engage With Nepal’s Military Leadership
General Seth will also interact with senior military officials and other dignitaries during the visit.
On August 18, he will address student officers attending the Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri and interact with instructors and foreign student officers.
He is also scheduled to hold engagements with senior Nepalese dignitaries on issues of mutual interest.
Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara
The final day of the visit, August 19, will see General Seth travel to Pokhara to attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally.
During the event, he will:
- Felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees.
- Interact with Indian Army veterans.
- Participate in engagements with the Indian veteran community in Nepal.
General Seth is scheduled to return to India on August 19.
India-Nepal Defence Ties
India and Nepal share longstanding historical, social and cultural connections, which form an important foundation for their bilateral relationship.
The two countries’ ties are often described through the ‘Roti Beti Ka Rishta’, while cultural and religious links between Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya further connect the two societies.
The Indian Army said the visit will provide an opportunity to build on the longstanding military relationship and explore new avenues of cooperation between the two armies.
Focus on Regional Peace and Stability
The visit comes against the backdrop of India’s broader engagement with Nepal on regional peace and stability. Both countries share democratic values and have a longstanding interest in maintaining stable relations and security in the region.
The Army Chief’s three-day visit is therefore expected to reinforce the institutional and military links that have remained a significant component of India-Nepal relations.
About General Dhiraj Seth
General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, is the 31st Chief of the Army Staff, who took charge on June 30, 2026. An Armoured Corps officer commissioned in 1986, he has served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, GOC-in-C of Southern and South Western Commands, and Commander of XXI Corps.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.
He also attended the General Staff Course at France’s Collège interarmées de Défense and the International Defense Acquisition Management Course at the US Naval Postgraduate School. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for distinguished service.
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