Several former chiefs of the Nepali Army have been invited by the Indian Army to a three-day military conclave that began on Thursday. Several former officials and serving chief of the Indian Army are scheduled to take part in the 8th edition of the Indian Army Chief’s Conclave and will deliberate on a range of key issues including ways to bolster the armed forces.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Indian Army said, "The highlight of the three-day event will be the invite extended to former chiefs of the Nepali Army, who were also honorary chiefs of the Indian Army." 

"It will involve discussions on the rapid transformation of the Indian Army, self-reliance through Atmanirbhar and Make in India initiatives in defense manufacturing and skilling of the Indian soldier to fight modern wars," The statement said.

In continuation of a seven-decade-old tradition, the Indian Army chief is conferred the honorary rank of ''General of the Nepal Army'' by the Nepalese President. India also confers the honorary rank of ''General of Indian Army'' to the Nepal Army Chief.

The conclave, the army said, is a forum for an exchange of ideas between former and current senior officials of the country.

Senior officers of the Indian Army will take part in an interactive session, scheduled on Friday for the exchange of ideas and views on various administrative and human resources aspects of the force.

Officials will also hold discussions with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers where they will be apprised of the institutional symbiosis between the Indian Army and indigenous private defense manufacturers, the Army said in the statement.

Relations between India and Nepal soured in 2020 after Nepal released a map that included three areas claimed and controlled by India. However, the ties improved later that year when the two nations engaged in quiet diplomacy which later resulted in a series of visits by high-ranking officials to Kathmandu. 

(SAM)