Ashok Raj Sigdel: A Decorated Military Leader and New Chief of the Nepali Army

President Ramchandra Paudel today conferred the insignia upon Ashok Raj Sigdel, the newly appointed Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) of the Nepali Army, during a special ceremony at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas. CoAS Sigdel took the oath of office and secrecy before the President, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army.

CoAS Sigdel brings a wealth of experience and education to his new role, having completed a range of professional military courses both in Nepal and internationally. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri and from China’s National Defense University. His academic credentials are further bolstered by a Higher and Management Course at the Army War College and a Defense Management Course in India. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in strategic studies from China’s National Defense University and an MA from Tribhuvan University.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sigdel served as the Secretary of the Covid Crisis Management Centre (CCMC), where his leadership and strategic insights were highly regarded. His career is marked by significant roles in military operations and organizational leadership, including his work in the logistics department, as the Policy Director General, and in the Kathmandu Valley Command. He has also served in challenging international environments, including Eastern Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia, under United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Throughout his distinguished career, CoAS Sigdel has received numerous accolades, both domestically and internationally. Among these honors is the prestigious Suprabal Janasewa Shree III. He has also been awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal twice, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the Nepali Army.

The Nepali Army has a proud tradition of contributing to UN peacekeeping operations, being one of the leading contributors globally. To date, 152,823 Nepali peacekeepers have served in UN missions, with 5,946 personnel, including 657 women, currently deployed across 11 conflict zones worldwide. CoAS Sigdel’s leadership is expected to further enhance the Nepali Army’s role on the global stage.