Nepal Army Chief made honorary Army general

The honour was given for his military prowess and immeasurable contribution to fostering Nepal’s long and friendly association with India, at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Displaying the increasing bonhomie between India and Nepal, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday conferred honorary “General of the Indian Army” rank to Nepalese Army Chief General Rajendra Chettri, who is on a six-day official visit to India. Mr Chettri began his visit to India on February 1. It is his first visit abroad after assuming the top Army post in September last year. Notably, his first stop is New Delhi, signifying the close ties India and Nepal have built as neighbours in the south Asian region.

The honour was given for his military prowess and immeasurable contribution to fostering Nepal’s long and friendly association with India, at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, a press release issued by the President’s office said.

“General Rajendra Chhetri’s selfless service, sincere devotion and commitment to excellence are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the Nepalese Army.

“Throughout his exemplary career, General Chhetri has demonstrated dynamic leadership and outstanding professionalism,” reads the citation.

General Rajendra Chhetri has contributed to promote the existing bond of friendship, based on goodwill and mutual understanding, between Indian and Nepalese Army as well as other armies of the world, it said. “In recognition of his commendable military prowess and immeasurable contribution to further fostering the long and friendly association with India, President of India is pleased to confer the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army on General Rajendra Chhetri,” the citation said. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were defence minister Manohar Parrikar, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Air Staff, Vice-Admiral P. Murug-esan, Vice-Chief of Naval Staff and defence secretary G. Mohan Kumar, the release said.