Delegation from India’s National Defence College Visits Nepal to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

A high-level delegation from India’s prestigious National Defence College (NDC), comprising 16 senior officers from civil services and defense forces of India and several friendly foreign countries, paid a five-day visit to Nepal from August 27 to August 31, 2023. The visit aimed to bolster bilateral military cooperation and strategic ties between the two nations.

The delegation was led by Air Vice Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta, Senior Directing Staff (Air Force) at the NDC. During their visit, the team engaged in a series of significant meetings with prominent Nepali officials, including the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister of Defence, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Narayan Prakash Saud, and Minister of Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

One of the notable highlights of their visit was a meeting with Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army, General Prabhu Ram Sharma. General Sharma himself is an alumnus of the National Defence College, India, which added a special significance to the discussions. The talks revolved around various matters of bilateral military cooperation and strategic collaboration between India and Nepal.

In addition to the high-level meetings, the delegation also visited the Western Division Headquarters in Pokhara, where they interacted with senior officers and gained insights into the region’s military operations.

The National Defence College of India holds a distinguished reputation as one of the world’s premier training institutions for senior defense and civil service officers. The college provides comprehensive training on higher national direction and strategy, contributing significantly to the professional development of senior officers from India and several friendly foreign countries.

Currently, three officers from the Nepali Army are undergoing the ongoing course at the National Defence College in India. Furthermore, 18 serving Nepali Army officers, including General Prabhu Ram Sharma, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army, and 24 other retired officers of the Nepali Army have graduated from the National Defence College, New Delhi, since 1992.

This visit by the NDC delegation reinforces the strong and enduring ties between India and Nepal, particularly in the realm of defense and strategic cooperation, and demonstrates the commitment of both nations to further enhance their bilateral relations.