India has further strengthened defence and diplomatic ties with Nepal by handing over military vehicles, medical equipment, and animals for defence use. At a special ceremony at the Nepali Army headquarters in Kathmandu, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri formally presented the equipment to Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel.

The consignment included six light strike vehicles, two military dogs for breeding, six army horses, and critical medical supplies. The Indian Embassy in Nepal said the gesture reflects “the close relationship between the two armies and our robust defence cooperation,” highlighting the spirit of trust and partnership that has long defined India-Nepal ties.

Before the ceremony, Misri held discussions with General Sigdel on bilateral defence cooperation and regional interests. Misri, who arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday for a two-day visit at the invitation of his counterpart Amrit Bahadur Rai, also engaged in high-level political meetings.

He called on Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel, conveying greetings from Indian leadership and briefing him on the progress of bilateral ties. Misri also met Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Talks with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai covered connectivity, trade, and development cooperation, reinforcing India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. The Indian Embassy said Misri reaffirmed the “deep civilizational ties and strong India-Nepal partnership” during his meetings.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi had earlier said the visit reflects the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and offers an opportunity to advance bilateral ties across security, trade, and development sectors.