Nepal’s Army Chief, General Gaurav Shumsher Jang Rana, will visit India from January 6-16 to discuss military ties between the two countries.
He is expected to meet his Indian counterpart-General Bikram Singh, President Pranab Mukherjee, and India’s political and military leadership to discuss cooperation between the two armies, and ways to strengthen bilateral ties. He will also visit the Indian Army training institutions – that provide training to the Nepalese Army personnel.
During his stay, he will be conferred the honorary rank of General in Indian Army, under a reciprocal practice which has been instituted since 1965.
With Nepal poised for the Constituent Assembly elections in April/May 2013 to resolve the political deadlock, the Nepalese Army is keen on being involved in maintaining order and electoral credibility.
India and Nepal share strong military and bilateral ties. The Indian Army has Nepalese soldiers in her forces, and approximately 120,000 ex-servicemen of the Indian armed forces reside in Nepal.
India has helped in the modernization of the Nepal Army through provision of equipment and training. Following the recent visit of Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav to New Delhi, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Anthony expressed readiness to resume the supply of arms and ammunition to Nepal – which was halted since the coup that killed former King Gyanendra, in 2005.