Nepal army chief made honorary general of Indian army

Nepal Army chief General Rajendra Chhetri was on Wednesday conferred the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Pranab Mukherjee at a special ceremony here.

The honorary rank on General Chhetri was conferred at a special investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan here for his "commendable military prowess and immeasurable contribution to fostering Nepal's long and friendly association with India".

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan release, the citation read out on the occasion said General Rajendra Chhetri's selfless service, sincere devotion and commitment to excellence were in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the Nepal Army.

"Throughout his exemplary career, General Chhetri has demonstrated dynamic leadership and outstanding professionalism," the citation said.

It said General Chhetri contributed to promotion of the existing bonds of friendship, based on goodwill and mutual understanding, between the Indian and Nepal armies as well as other armies of the world.

"In recognition of his commendable military prowess and immeasurable contribution to further fostering the long and friendly association with India, the President of India is pleased to confer the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army on General Rajendra Chhetri," the citation said.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral P. Murugesan were among the prominent dignitaries present on the occasion.

It is a custom between the armies of the two close neighbours to confer this honour on each other's chief since 1950 to signify their close military-to-military ties.

Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav in Kathmandu on November 13, last year.