Kathmandu | As high-ranking defense delegations from influential nations converge in Kathmandu, Nepal’s military diplomacy takes precedence.
The Nepal Army is currently hosting the fourth iteration of Exercise Shanti Prayas, welcoming over 1,100 military personnel from 17 nations.
Admiral John Aquilino, leading the United States Indo-Pacific Command, arrived in Kathmandu via New Delhi to observe the exercise jointly sponsored by the Nepali and US armies.
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Shanti Prayas stands as a multinational peacekeeping exercise, alternatively hosted by the Nepal Army and the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Experts highlight that robust military-to-military relations significantly contribute to enhancing overall bilateral and multilateral ties between Nepal and partner nations.
Adm Aquilino is slated to visit the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre (BPOTC) in Panchkhal, followed by meetings with President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka, Chief of the Army Staff General Prabhu Ram Sharma, and other senior government and military officials.
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During his visit to New Delhi, Aquilino participated in the Raisina Dialogue and engaged in discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, among other officials.
Prime Minister Dahal inaugurated Exercise Shanti Prayas-IV on February 20, scheduled to continue until March 4.
Rachel Schiller, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Programs and Operations under the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, was present at the opening ceremony.
Shanti Prayas-IV aims to bolster peacekeeping capabilities, foster military-to-military cooperation, and enhance core peacekeeping competencies in accordance with UN doctrines. Military contingents from Nepal, the US, and several other nations are actively participating.
Following the conclusion of Shanti Prayas, Nepal anticipates a visit from a high-level delegation led by a lieutenant general from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, although the specific agenda for the March visit remains pending.
Recent developments suggest pending military issues with China, including procurement, installation of an ammunition plant, joint military exercises, and training programs for Nepali Army officials.
Despite these developments, Nepal Army spokesperson Brig Gen Bhandari expressed unawareness regarding the PLA delegation’s visit.
Additionally, various Indian Army officials and delegations have visited Kathmandu, engaging in discussions with General Sharma and other military and government officials.
In the context of the Indo-Pacific region, Shanti Prayas assumes significance amidst stalled regional bodies like SAARC. The involvement of India and other democratic nations underscores the importance of this multilateral military exercise.
Retired Maj Gen Purna Silwal emphasizes that the participation of major and middle powers signifies Nepal’s stable institution, enhancing bilateral ties and regional stability.
He asserts that Nepal Army’s capability to manage geopolitical rivalries makes such exercises and diplomatic engagements inclusive and not targeted against any specific nation.
Silwal celebrates Nepal’s achievement as the top contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, asserting that such milestones boost national confidence.
