KATHMANDU: Ashokraj Sigdel became the new Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army on Monday when President Ram Chandra Paudel promoted him to the rank of general. As the Supreme Commander, President Paudel gave Sigdel the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony held in the President's Office.

On September 9, Sigdel was formally named the 45th Commander-in-Chief of the Nepalese Army. Among his responsibilities is the defense of the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. The army's key priorities under his leadership will be peacekeeping, national development, internal security, disaster management, and the preservation of historic sites and forests.

Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal were among the dignitaries present at the event.

Prabhuram Sharma, the outgoing Chief of Army Staff, steps down after serving a three-year tenure. Sigdel takes over for him. As per tradition, Sharma took a month-long home vacation after retiring.

Commander-in-Chief Sigdel boasts extensive military education from Nepal and abroad. He graduated from the Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri, the National Defense University of China, and completed various advanced courses in India.

He holds a master's degree in strategic studies from Tribhuvan University and the National Defense University of China. Sigdel has attended numerous national and international workshops and seminars throughout his 38-year military career.

His career includes commanding counter-insurgency and jungle warfare schools, infantry brigades, and divisions. He led the Nepalese Army delegation during the 2022 US-Nepal Third Land Force Talks and served as Secretary of the Covid Crisis Management Center (CCMC) during the pandemic.

Sigdel is known for his interest in national and international strategic affairs and is regarded as a thoughtful leader. His military experience encompasses key roles in various departments, including war and maintenance and policy management.

On the international stage, Sigdel has participated in peacekeeping missions in Eastern Yugoslavia, Tajikistan, and Liberia under the United Nations. His exemplary service has earned him numerous national and international medals, including the Janasewashree III and two 'CoAS Commendation Letters.'

The Nepalese Army is recognized for its professionalism and commitment to human rights in international peacekeeping efforts. Nepal is a leading contributor of peacekeepers to the United Nations, with 152,823 peacekeepers participating in 44 missions worldwide.

Currently, 5,916 Nepali soldiers, including 675 women, are serving in 11 peacekeeping missions across various conflict zones, continuing the army's tradition of contributing to global peace and stability.