India-Nepal relations are unique, deep rooted and historic: Nepal Army Chief

Nepal’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Purna Chandra Thapa has said that India-Nepal relations are unique, deep rooted and historic.

General Thapa said both the countries have been enjoying excellent bilateral relations since time immemorial marked by friendliness, mutual support and understanding.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Defence Wing of Indian Embassy to celebrate 71st Indian Army Day in Kathmandu on Friday, General Thapa said the exceptional India-Nepal friendship is reflected more strongly in exemplary camaraderie between the two armies.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri said India and Nepal stand shoulder to shoulder in various parts of the world in international and UN peace keeping operations to serve the humanity. Ambassador Puri said India also have a unique bond with Nepal in the area of armed forces, particularly in the army.

Besides Indian Embassy officers and staff, a large number of officers from Nepalese Army, Defence Attaches from various missions and other dignitaries also attended the reception.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) K M Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.