KATHMANDU, Feb 6: The Defence Wing of the Indian Embassy in Nepal hosted a banquet on Monday to mark the 77th Indian Army Day on February 3, celebrating the appointment of Field Marshal KM Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949, the embassy said in a press release.
Nepal’s Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel, who also holds the honorary rank of General in the Indian Army, attended the event as the chief guest. The event saw the presence of former Nepali Army chiefs, serving and retired officers, diplomats, government officials, and journalists, the press release stated.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the Indian and Nepali armies, acknowledging the contributions of Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army. He reiterated India’s commitment to the welfare of Indian Army pensioners residing in Nepal.
According to the press release, CoAS Sigdel extended his best wishes to Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and praised the Indian Army's support in skill development for Nepali troops. He also honored Gorkha soldiers who have received gallantry awards for their service in the Indian Army.