• 76th Republic Day of India
Nations do not collapse overnight; their failure begins with the weakening of institutions. Strong political, economic, and military institutions serve as the backbone of national stability. The military often stands as the last bastion against disorder, upholding national security and resilience. In South Asia, where history and geopolitics intertwine, the Nepali and Indian armies have emerged as two such pillars, providing strength and continuity amidst political shifts.
One of the most remarkable yet underappreciated traditions reflecting this bond is the exchange of honorary General titles between the Nepali and Indian Army Chiefs. This practice, spanning over seven decades, symbolises a unique military diplomacy that transcends politics, reinforcing institutional ties between the two neighbouring nations. Commander-in-Chief General KM Cariappa was the first Indian Army Chief to receive this honour in 1950, setting a precedent for a tradition that continues today.
The military relationship between Nepal and India is deeply rooted in history. It dates back to the Treaty of Sugauli in 1815, which allowed the British to recruit Gorkhas into their army. Nepali soldiers have since been distinguished in the Indian Army, most notably as Gurkhas - renowned for their bravery and discipline. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw famously remarked, "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gorkha."
The valiant reputation of the Gorkhas was first recognised by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire in 1809 during the Kangra confrontation. Enthralled by their combat prowess, he initiated their recruitment - a tradition that endures. During the Rana regime (1846-1951), Nepal further strengthened ties with British India by committing Gorkha soldiers to suppress the Indian Revolt of 1857. Nepali troops also fought in both World Wars, with over 100,000 Gorkhas mobilised in World War I and more than 110,000 in World War II. Following India's independence, the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal, and Britain formalised the division of Gorkha regiments among the three nations. Today, these regiments remain an integral part of the Indian Army. Despite occasional political tensions, the military-to-military relationship has remained steadfast, weathering changes in governments and ideologies.
The tradition of conferring honorary General titles began in 1950 when General KM Cariappa was honoured by Nepal. Since then, every newly appointed Army Chief of Nepal has received the title of Honorary General of the Indian Army, while India's Army Chief receives the equivalent honour from Nepal. This practice is rare in global military diplomacy and underscores the deep-rooted trust, mutual respect, and commitment to regional security.
Most recently, Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army upon Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan (Sheetal Niwas). This long-standing tradition is a testament to the enduring strength of Nepal-India defence ties, reflecting a bond beyond political fluctuations.
The Nepal-India military relationship extends beyond ceremonial honours and encompasses Joint Military Exercises - the biannual Surya Kiran series enhances combat preparedness and disaster response strategies; Disaster Relief & Security Coordination - both armies collaborate on humanitarian aid, such as earthquake and flood relief efforts; Defence Training and Intelligence Sharing - Nepali officers train at premier Indian military academies, strengthening strategic ties; The Gorkha Connection - Nepali citizens continue to serve in the Indian Army, with over 32,000 active personnel, and 122,000 pensioners residing in Nepal; Bilateral Defence Engagements - these include medical assistance, hardware support, and military exchange programmes.
Military diplomacy has played a significant role in Nepal's foreign policy, even if not explicitly codified. Nepalese rulers have historically leveraged military diplomacy to reclaim lost territories, assert sovereignty, and strengthen international ties. However, the lack of a dedicated military diplomacy doctrine means its potential remains underutilised.
Nepal and India share a unique relationship that extends beyond defence, encompassing cultural ties (Roti-Beti), trade, a pegged currency system, and an open border. While this fosters connectivity and employment opportunities, it also presents security challenges, including risks of terrorism and cross-border crime. Strengthening military cooperation can help mitigate these threats while preserving the historical camaraderie.
Despite strong military ties, challenges persist. Political shifts in Nepal sometimes fuel scepticism about excessive dependence on India. Similarly, India's evolving strategic priorities question Nepal's role in its broader defence framework. However, history has demonstrated that military cooperation has withstood political turbulence, serving as a stabilising force in bilateral relations.
As Nepal and India navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes, their military bond remains a pillar of stability. The exchange of honorary ranks is more than a symbolic act - it is a reaffirmation of trust, cooperation, and shared history. In an era where military alliances are often transactional, this unique tradition is a model of enduring institutional strength.
Can this tradition inspire deeper regional security cooperation? Perhaps the answer lies in its very essence: nations that respect and uphold their institutions - especially the military - are the ones that endure the test of time.
Sumit Bikram Rana is the Program Director of The Himalayan Dialogues and an expert in Crisis Management
