India Hands Over Defence Equipment to Nepal During Vikram Misri’s Visit

Kathmandu: India on Monday handed over light strike vehicles, medical equipment, and military animals to the Nepali Army in a ceremony at its headquarters in Kathmandu, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented the equipment to Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, during the special event. The assistance package included six light strike vehicles, two military dogs for breeding, six army horses, and a consignment of critical care medical supplies.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal described the handover as a reflection of the “close relationship between the two armies and our robust defence cooperation”, underlining the trust and partnership that have long defined India-Nepal ties.

Before the ceremony, Misri held talks with General Sigdel on enhancing defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest.

Misri is on a two-day visit to Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. On Sunday, the two counterparts held wide-ranging discussions on trade, connectivity, and development cooperation, with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry noting the talks reaffirmed the strong bond between the neighbours.

During his stay, Misri also met Nepal’s top leadership, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba. At these meetings, he conveyed greetings from the Indian leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi had earlier said the visit was part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, emphasising that regular high-level exchanges are vital to advancing ties with Nepal.