KATHMANDU, Dec 10: Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashok Raj Sigdel of the Nepali Army (NA) departed for New Delhi, India, on Tuesday for an official visit. A statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the NA mentions that CoAS Sigdel left for India at the formal invitation of Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, for an official visit from December 11-14.
According to the NA, CoAS Sigdel is accompanied by his spouse Nita Chhetri Sigdel, president of Nepali Army Wives Association (NAWA) among the nine-member delegation. Lt Gen Pradip Jung KC bade farewell to CoAS Sigdel at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday.
New army chief Sigdel takes charge of command
Prior to his departure, a team of army personnel accorded COAS Sigdel with a Guard of Honor at the Army Headquarters.
According to the NA, COAS Sigdel will be conferred upon the rank of honorary general of the Indian Army by the president of India on December 12 amidst an investiture ceremony.
During his stay in India, Sigdel is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on higher authorities of India, the NA statement added. CoAS General Sigdel is also scheduled to meet Indian officials and attend the passing out parade of officer cadets at the Indian Military Academy as the reviewing officer.
The statement further mentions that during his absence, Lt Gen Pradip Jung KC will be the officiating COAS of the Nepali Army. Sigdel, along with his delegation is scheduled to return home on December 15.
