Nepal-India Defense Talks: Key Meetings with COAS, Defence and Foreign Minister

A high-level delegation from India’s National Defense College is currently undertaking a five-day visit to Nepal, with the primary objective of fostering closer defense cooperation and collaboration between the two neighboring nations. Led by Air Vice Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta, the delegation’s visit is marked by a series of meetings and discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

A pivotal meeting between the Indian delegation and Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma took center stage today. This significant encounter, hosted at the military headquarters, Jangi Adda, served as a platform for discussions revolving around mutual interests and concerns. The key takeaways from these deliberations underlined the unwavering commitment of both Nepal and India to reinforce their strategic partnership, encompassing various aspects of defense and diplomacy.

In a notable gesture, the Indian delegation extended a courtesy call to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka. The Ministry of Defense meeting proved instrumental in delving into various facets of Nepal-India relations. A shared emphasis on principles like sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and mutual benefit highlighted the alignment of Nepal’s foreign policy approach with these fundamental values.

Additionally, the delegation seized the opportunity for a productive meeting with Foreign Minister NP Saud. This engagement spanned a broad spectrum of bilateral interests and shared concerns, reaffirming the mutual commitment of both nations to fostering robust diplomatic connections.

The visit, which was inaugurated on Sunday with the arrival of the delegation at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), boasts participation from representatives not only from India but also from friendly foreign countries including Germany, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Oman. The presence of these multiple nations underscores the collective determination to elevate mutual defense cooperation within the region.