India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has formally gifted a defense and medical package to Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, during a visit to Kathmandu.
The handover included six light strike vehicles, critical care medical equipment, as well as two military dogs and six army horses, according to the Indo-Asian News Service. These reflect “the close relationship between the two armies and our robust defence cooperation,” India’s embassy in Nepal announced.
Misri’s engagements are believed to set the stage for Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s possible upcoming state visit to New Delhi this year at the invitation of his counterpart, Narendra Modi.
This is considered a noticeable delay, since Oli began his fourth term in July 2024.
Between India and China
Nepal is a landlocked country sandwiched between India and China, two giants vying for dominance within the region.
In terms of security, cultural, and economic ties, Nepal is closer to India, with growing Chinese investments.
Nepal–India ties soured in 2015 when Kathmandu accused New Delhi of imposing an unofficial blockade after Nepal adopted a new constitution that India said marginalized the Madhesi community, with which it has close cultural links.
Relations were further strained around 2020, when Oli’s government included disputed territories in Nepal’s official map, which India opposed.
Following the events, Nepal intensified its engagement with China, including participation in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and a high-level visit in 2024.
Oli deviated from tradition by making China his first foreign visit, instead of India.
However, the Nepali premier dismissed claims of troubled relations with India. He affirmed that the country has good relations with both New Delhi and Beijing in a July interview this year.
Meanwhile, Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi Assistant Director Rishi Gupta wrote in The Print that Misri’s recent visit was part of the neighboring countries’ efforts to rebuild trust in defense and other areas of cooperation.
