Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed deep satisfaction regarding the present status of “extremely robust bilateral ties” between Nepal and India.

“He also conveyed that, as close neighbours, India and Nepal share similar perspectives on many issues of mutual concern,” the Ministry of Defence of India said in a statement issued after Chief of Army Staff of Nepal Ashok Raj Sigdel called on Singh in New Delhi on Thursday. “He [Singh] reiterated India’s intent to strengthen relations with its neighbours, in tune with the ‘neighbourhood first policy’.

During the meeting they held discussions on a number of issues pertaining to bilateral relations, according to the ministry.

Singh highlighted the various facets of defence cooperation including training, regular exercises, workshops and seminars to enhance the capability of Nepal Army as well as supply of defence equipment and stores, read the statement.

Minister Singh congratulated the Chief of Army Staff of Nepal Sigdel on the conferment of honorary rank of General of the Indian Army.

Nepali Army chief Sigdel, who is on a four-day visit to India, was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army by Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.

This gesture continues the seven-decade-long tradition between Nepal and India of honouring each other's army chiefs with honorary ranks, reflecting the deep-rooted and strategic ties between the two nations’ armed forces.

Sigdel’s visit follows Indian Army Chief General Dwivedi’s visit to Nepal in the third week of November. During the visit he was similarly conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Ramchandra Paudel.