Kathmandu, Nov. 5: President Bidya Devi Bhandari conferred the Honorary Rank of General of Nepali Army to CoAS of Indian Army General MM Naravane at a special function held at the Sheetal Niwas today.

He was also presented a sword and scroll during the function. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The practice follows a seven decade old tradition of conferring Army Chiefs of each other's country with the honorary title. Commander-in-Chief General KM Cariappa was the first Indian Army Chief to be decorated with the title in 1950. In January last year, Chief of Staff of Nepali Army, General Purna Chandra Thapa, was also made the honorary General of the Indian Army by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony in New Delhi, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Following the ceremony, General MM Naravane called on President Bhandari. He was accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay M. Kwatra.

During the meeting with the President, General Naravane conveyed his gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him and also discussed measures to further enhance bilateral cooperation, adds the statement.