Indian Army Chief arrives

Published On: March 29, 2017 10:15 AM NPT


KATHMANDU, March 29: Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday on a four-day Nepal visit. Rawat, who landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport Tuesday morning, is visiting the country at the invitation of Chief of Army Staff General Rajendra Chhetri. Gen Rawat is expected to be conferred the honorary title of the general of Nepal Army.

General Rawat was appointed the 27th Chief of Indian Army Staff on 17th December, 2016 amid protest from the opposition. 

Rawat's visit comes just three days after Chinese foreign minister Chang Wanquan concluded a high profile visit to Nepal. 

Rawat will be conferred the honorary title by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari amid a special program at Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday, according to officials at the President's Office.
Nepal and India have been conferring honorary titles to the chiefs each other's army since 1950.  

Rawat is scheduled to meet Bhandrai, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and defense minister Bal Krishna Khad among other top officials. According to spokesperson for Nepal Army (NA), Jhankar Bahadur Kadayat, the NA will organize a special program in honor of the visiting Indian COAS Rawat. He is also expected to tour places like Pokhara, Manang and Muktinath. General Rawat is also schedule to vivit the Pashupatinath temple.

Though customary, Rawat's visit has been looked meaningfully due to its timing.


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