Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth Gets Nepal’s Honorary General Rank

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth received the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army on 17 August 2026 at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu. The ceremony was conducted by Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, and it formed part of the long-standing military protocol between India and Nepal.

Honorary General Rank in India-Nepal Military Ties

India and Nepal have followed the reciprocal practice of conferring the honorary rank of General on each other’s army chiefs since 1950. This arrangement is linked to the close military relationship between the Indian Army and the Nepali Army, which also includes training exchanges, ceremonial visits, and defence cooperation.

Ceremonial Events in Kathmandu

General Seth inspected a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters and laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. He also held bilateral talks with Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel on mutual strategic interests and military cooperation.

The investiture ceremony was attended by Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, and India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava. General Seth also handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepal Army as part of defence support.

India-Nepal Defence Cooperation

India and Nepal share an open border of about 1,751 kilometres and maintain defence links through training, equipment support, and high-level military exchanges. The Indian Army and the Nepali Army have also conducted joint and coordinated engagements in areas such as disaster response and professional military education.

Important Facts for Exams

• The honorary rank exchange between India and Nepal began in 1950.
• Sheetal Niwas is the presidential residence in Kathmandu.
• Tundikhel is a historic open ground in central Kathmandu used for military and public ceremonies.
• The Nepali Army Headquarters is located in Kathmandu.

Visit Schedule

General Seth was scheduled to address student officers at the Army Command and Staff Course in Shivapuri on 18 August 2026. He was also scheduled to visit Pokhara on 19 August 2026 for an Ex-Servicemen Rally before returning to India.