New CoAS outlines his strategic vision

In his first address to the General Staff, newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel emphasized the Nepali Army’s crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Sigdel outlined his strategic vision with a strong focus on national security, military diplomacy, organizational reforms and the welfare of army personnel.

On Aug 28, President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Sigdel to the position, to be effective from Sept 9. The outgoing Chief of Army Staff, Prabhu Ram Sharma, had been on a month-long leave since Aug 8 as part of his mandatory retirement. Sigdel will serve as CoAS for the next three years.

Sigdel’s address followed the formal ceremony where President Paudel conferred the insignia of the CoAS on Sigdel on Sept 9, marking the official transfer of leadership in the Nepali Army.

Sigdel began by reaffirming the core responsibility of the Nepali Army as enshrined in the Constitution of Nepal—protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and geographical integrity. He highlighted that national unity remains the most powerful force in tackling the complex challenges Nepal faces, and called for the state’s mechanisms to work in tandem under a shared national security strategy.

Sigdel introduced a ‘Commander-in-Chief Command Guidance’ outlining seven key goals to enhance the army’s operational and strategic effectiveness. These goals prioritize areas such as national security, organizational strengthening, development of operational capabilities, modernizing military information systems, improving training and education, and expanding welfare services.

He stressed the importance of a credible and effective national security strategy, grounded in a ‘Whole of Nation Approach’. This would require the strengthening of national mechanisms to ensure that all state actors—military and civilian alike—develop a common understanding of Nepal’s security and defense needs. Sigdel assured that this approach will be operationalized in due course to fortify the country’s defense apparatus.

One of the central themes of Sigdel’s address was the role of military diplomacy in advancing Nepal’s foreign policy. He emphasized that military diplomacy will be strengthened to support national interests and security, ensuring that the army’s international engagements align closely with the country’s foreign policy objectives. Sigdel’s vision involves deepening military cooperation with Nepal’s international partners, positioning the national army as a key player in regional and global peace and security efforts.

Additionally, Sigdel highlighted the army’s ongoing commitment to national infrastructure projects. The ‘Bunker to Barrack’ program, which seeks to modernize army infrastructure, will continue as a priority, alongside key projects like the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track. Sigdel emphasized that delays or irregularities in these projects will not be tolerated, reaffirming the army’s dedication to efficient project management.

Sigdel also focused on internal reforms, stressing that organizational discipline and integrity are paramount. He urged army personnel to act in the best interest of the institution, warning that actions undermining mutual trust or compromising the institution for personal gain would not be tolerated. The CoAS reiterated that military discipline and dignity remain the ‘first and last mantra’ of the army.

To ensure the army’s operational readiness, Sigdel announced plans to modernize military training and education, with a focus on practical skills suited to Nepal’s geography and strategic needs. This includes timely revisions of military training programs to enhance both tactical and leadership skills.

Sigdel unveiled several welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of army personnel and their families. The amount of scholarships provided to the children of Nepali Army personnel will be increased to Rs 25,000 annually for those studying from class 4 to 12. Additionally, the welfare pension for widows receiving family pensions will see an increase of Rs 500 per month.

Recognizing the Nepali Army’s vital role in disaster management, Sigdel stressed that the army’s disaster response capacity will be expanded to mitigate the impacts of natural calamities. He called for heightened preparedness, ensuring the army’s quick and effective response during national emergencies.

In a bid to support army personnel after retirement, Sigdel announced plans to expand professional and vocational training programs, in partnership with government agencies, to ensure retired personnel can transition into civilian life with dignity and self-respect.

Sigdel said the Nepali Army will continue its significant contributions to the development of national sports. Sports development will be prioritized by building on the army’s long history of nurturing national athletes, he maintained.

Moreover, to strengthen the relationship between the army and the public, Sigdel outlined a plan to engage in efforts to protect education, health, arts, culture and the environment. This will be done in a way that preserves military dignity while contributing to the nation’s social and cultural fabric.

The new CoAS underscored the need for improved management of peacekeeping operations, ensuring that Nepali soldiers maintain their reputation as disciplined and effective peacekeepers on the global stage. Special attention will be given to the training of peacekeeping forces and the provision of necessary equipment.

In his concluding remarks, Sigdel pledged to improve relations between the army and the media. He emphasized the need for greater harmony between the two to achieve national objectives, ensuring that the public is kept informed about the army’s efforts in protecting national security and contributing to national development.

Know your CoAS

Commander-in-Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel was born on 1 Feb 1967, in Bhairawa of Rupandehi district. He joined the military service in 1986 and, after completing basic officer cadet training, was appointed a Second Lieutenant in 1988. Sigdel has participated in various training, studies and seminars at home and abroad. He completed command and staff training from the Military Command and Staff College, Shivpuri, and higher command and management training from the Nepali Army War College, Nagarkot. Additionally, he has successfully completed the Defense Management Course from India and the National Defense Course (NDC) from China.

Sigdel has participated in peacekeeping missions in Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR), Tajikistan (UNMOT), and Liberia (UNMIL). Throughout his 38-year military career, he has served in several staff, command and teaching roles, including as coordinator of the Nepali Army in the Covid-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC). Prior to his appointment as CoAS, Sigdel served as Vice CoAS and Assistant CoAS. He holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from Tribhuvan University and the National Defense University, China.

Key priorities

• ‘Commander-in-Chief Command Guidance’ with seven goals, including strengthening national security, improving organizational effectiveness and modernizing military systems
• Enhancing military diplomacy to support Nepal’s foreign policy and align international engagements with national security interests
• ‘Bunker to Barrack’ program and efficient management of key projects like the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Fast Track
• Greater organizational discipline and integrity, with a focus on upholding military dignity and preventing actions that undermine institutional trust
• Increased scholarships for army personnel’s children and higher pensions for widows. Plans to expand disaster management and professional training for retired personnel