New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth's three-day visit to neighbouring Nepal, which started on Monday, is particularly timely in the context of Indian-Nepalese relations, with much more significance than the routine and formal elements of military diplomacy usually involve.
In view of the ongoing change in the strategic equation of the Himalayan subcontinent, Seth's visit provides an excellent chance for New Delhi to consolidate one of the most lasting security relationships that it has.
While ostensibly focused on deepening defence cooperation between the two countries, General Seth's trip will undoubtedly open up the possibility for talks covering topics like border security, intelligence sharing, military training, disaster management and institutional cooperation. But underneath all these aspects of defence cooperation lies a more serious concern of how India and Nepal can sustain their longstanding military relationship against the backdrop of a fast-changing security environment in the region.
Experts feel that the Gorkha connection continues to be at the centre of this relationship. For many years now, the recruitment of Nepalese nationals in the Indian Army has acted as a special link between the two nations, forging not just military ties but also strong socio-institutional links. Now, given the unresolved issue of the recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas through the Agnipath scheme, this aspect has become an important part of the larger picture of the defence relationship. Thus, the visit by Gen Seth acquires special importance in this context.
In terms of the geopolitical environment, the engagement becomes even more significant. Nepal's efforts to carefully tread on the delicate issue of maintaining a balanced relationship with India and China have started gaining strategic importance for India.
The traditional practice of conferring the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army on the Indian Army chief adds another layer of symbolism to the visit, as it symbolises the trust and respect developed by the two militaries over the years and is a unique aspect of their defence relations. Hence, during the first day of his visit, General Seth, was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel in Kathmandu, which is rooted in a longstanding military tradition, symbolises mutual trust, professional camaraderie and the enduring strategic partnership between India and Nepal.
However, more importantly, the meeting of General Seth is occurring at a time when India is making efforts to enhance its relations with Nepal's political, diplomatic, and military establishments. In this way, the visit of the Indian Army Chief could be a significant vehicle for strategic communication.
In the case of New Delhi, the overriding goal is obvious: ensuring that the long-standing military cooperation between India and Nepal is still relevant to the security issues of the 21st century.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.