India to provide training to Nepali army

The Himalayan Times
26 June, 2002

India's Defence Minister George Fernandes on Monday assured King Gyanendra of all military and technical help including providing training to the Nepalese army in counter insurgency and supply of specialised equipment to combat the growing Maoist insurgency in the Himalayan Kingdom.

The visiting monarch for the second day held a number of meetings with the Indian leadership to discuss bilateral relations and security matters before he leaves Delhi for Kolkata tomorrow. Besides Fernandes others who called on King Gyanendra were Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, leader of the opposition and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K C Pant and former Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.

Fernandes met the King for over an hour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the visiting dignitary is staying as a guest of President K R Narayanan.

Defence Ministry sources said the Indian minister apprised the Nepalese King about the agreement between the two countries on training of Nepalese army officers and personnel in counter-insurgency tactics at specialised Indian Army institutions. The agreement includes giving training to the Nepalese army at the renowned Counter Insurgency School in Mizoram.

Fernandes also told the King that India will give equipment like mine proof combat vehicles, helicopters and utility vehicles at reduced prices to Nepal.

During his meeting with Mr Murli Manohar Joshi, who is also the Science and Technology Ministers, the Nepalese King sought enhanced cooperation between the two neighbours in science and technology and other diversified fields. The King said Nepalis have been keenly following India's achievements in science and technology and industry as well as in social and cultural fields and wanted to benefit from India's experiences. An economically vibrant and prosperous India was an asset not only to Nepal but also to the region as a whole.

King Gyanendra discussed with K C Pant planning-related issues in terrorist affected areas, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.