New Delhi (NVI): Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane, who arrived in Kathmandu yesterday on a three-day visit to Nepal, today met his Nepali counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa and presented medical equipment for two field hospitals of the Nepali Army.
Gen Naravane arrived in Kathmandu yesterday for a three-day official visit to Nepal, on the invitation of General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of Army Staff, Nepali Army, the Indian Embassy in Nepal said in a statement.
The Army Chief’s visit comes amid growing concerns over the strained relations between the two countries over border issues recently.
The COAS visit is also expected to break the ice as the Army Chief will meet Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and may hold talks over the controversy over road construction via Lipulekh for pilgrimage to Mansarovar in Tibet.
Gen Naravane was received at the airport by Lieutenant General Prabhu Ram Sharma, CGS Nepali Army and officials of the Indian Embassy, read the statement.
Gen. MM Naravane #COAS begins 3-day trip to Nepal today on invitation of the COAS Nepal Army. Lt Gen PR Sharma, Chief of General Staff, Nepal Army received him at TIA Kathmandu this morning. #IndiaNepalFriendship @adgpi @MEAIndia @thenepalesearmy pic.twitter.com/levwjcpHdD
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) November 4, 2020
Apart from that, the army chief laid wreath and paid homage at Bir Smarak (Martyr’s Memorial) at Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. He also visited the Nepali Army Headquarters where he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. This was followed by a meeting with his Nepali counterpart.
Gen. MM Naravane #COAS paid homage at Bir Smarak in Tundikhel, Kathmandu. #IndiaNepalFriendship @adgpi @MEAIndia @thenepalesearmy pic.twitter.com/ucpbhS2xyi
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) November 5, 2020
In addition to this, the Army chief presented medical equipment for two field hospitals of the Nepali Army. The equipment includes X-Ray machines, computed radiography systems, ICU ventilators, video endoscopy units, anesthesia machines, laboratory equipment and ambulances.
Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane Meets COAS of Nepali Army at Nepal Army HQ; Equipment for Field Hospitals and Ventilators Gifted. Details may be seen at: https://t.co/MlAl6n2V8Y pic.twitter.com/aTNPgYCCuO
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) November 5, 2020
Additional ventilators were also gifted to assist Nepali Army in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said in a release. This follows an earlier army-to-army provision of ventilators in July this year, it added.
-ARK
