Kathmandu, September 4. Chief of the Indian Army Staff, General Manoj Pande has arrived in Kathmandu today for a five day visit. He was invited by Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Prabhu Ram Sharma.

Further, Lieutenant General Bal Krishna Karki welcomed the Indian Army chief at Tribhuvan International Airport.

President Bhandari will be presenting General Pande with the guard of honor at a program scheduled for Monday afternoon. The unique tradition of honoring army chiefs between Nepal and India started in 1951. Field Marshal KM Cariappa was the first Indian Army chief to receive the honor in 2007 B.S.

Former Chief of Army Staff Surendra Bahadur Shah received the honor from India in 2026 BS. Present Chief of Army Staff Sharma received the honor last year.

Moreover, 21 army chiefs from India and 17 army chief from Nepal have received the honor.

Furthermore, General Pande’s agenda includes bilateral discussions with CoAS Sharma, a presentation of aid to the NA on behalf of the Indian Army, interactions with Army Command and Staff College students, and a visit to the Mid Command Headquarters.

Additionally, the head of the Indian Army is also scheduled to have a formal meeting with prime minister Deuba and the minister of defense.

During General Pande’s visit, Nepal Army is set to receive cannon maintenance parts, explosives resistance vehicles and other equipment worth around NRs. 223 million.

Photos: Nepal Army