Who is Lieutenant General Ashokraj Sigdel, the New Commander of the Nepalese Army?

Lieutenant General Ashokraj Sigdel is set to take charge as the 45th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, the country’s main security organization, in about a month. On the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Ramchandra Paudel has appointed Lt. Gen. Sigdel as the permanent COAS, effective August 9, paving the way for him to lead the organization.

The Council of Ministers, in its meeting on July 25, recommended Lt. Gen. Sigdel for the position based on seniority. Current COAS Prabhuram Sharma will retire compulsorily after his three-year tenure ends on August 8. As per the provision that the COAS will be on home leave one month before retirement, Lt. Gen. Sigdel has already been entrusted with the responsibilities of the Chief of Army Staff.

Lieutenant General Sigdel has pursued extensive professional military education both in Nepal and abroad. He is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College, Shivapuri, Nepal, and the National Defence University, China. Additionally, he completed the Higher Command and Management Course at the Army War College in Nepal and the Defence Management Course in India. He has also participated in various workshops and professional seminars at both national and international levels.

Beyond his military education, Lieutenant General Sigdel holds two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies—one from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and another from the National Defence University, China.

In his 37-year illustrious career, Lieutenant General Sigdel has served in diverse staff and leadership roles both at home and abroad. His notable roles include Commandant of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, command of an Infantry Brigade and Division, Director of the Directorate of Military Operations, and Director General of the Department of Staff Duties, Policy and Plans. Additionally, he served as Military Assistant to the COAS.

Lieutenant General Sigdel also led the Nepali Army delegation for the US-Nepal 3rd Land Force Talk in 2022 and served as the Secretary of the Covid Crisis Management Center (CCMC) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.

His extensive UN peacekeeping experience includes serving in challenging locations such as former Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia.

Recognized for his meritorious service, Lieutenant General Sigdel has been decorated with various distinguished national and international medals, including the Suprabal Janasewashree III for his outstanding contribution to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also received the COAS Commendation Badge twice.

Lieutenant General Sigdel is married to Mrs. Nita Sigdel, and the couple has a son, Ashutosh Sigdel. Alongside his regular morning workout routine, he enjoys listening to music, reading books, and indulging his passion for trekking whenever time permits.