The khukuri knife is an iconic symbol of the Gorkha military, originally from Nepal, and is closely associated with the Gorkha soldier, symbolising strength, courage, bravery and loyalty.

A typical khukuri blade has a distinctive curved shape, and a hard blade, measuring 16 to 18 inches, can be used as both a weapon during combat and a tool in Nepal. Khukuris are forged from spring steel with a notch at the end of the blade, designed so that blood and sap drip off the knife instead of seeping onto the hardwood handle.

According to the Nepal Army, after 1744, the khukuri worn by the Gorkha soldiers who fought under the leadership of Prithvi Narayan Shah, who was the king of the Gorkha kingdom, in the Nepal Unification Campaign, made a significant contribution to the creation of modern Nepal.

When Britain initially encountered Gorkhas in the mountains of Nepal in 1814, the Gorkhas fought so fiercely and admirably with their khukuris. After that, the khukuri became the symbol of courage, bravery, and warfare skills of the Gorkha soldier, and they were recruited into the British Army. Now, the Indian Army currently fields seven active Gorkha Rifles regiments and the British Army has one primary Gorkha infantry regiment, The Royal Gorkha Rifles (RGR).

The Nepal Army uses the khukuri as a combat weapon, a survival tool in field operations, and an important part of military training. It is also carried during parades and ceremonial events, cultural events, symbolising the courage, tradition, and identity of Nepali soldiers.

Though the khukuri is best known as a ruthless combat weapon, the knife has several other uses. Gorkhas can use their khukuris to chop or carve wood, cut meat and vegetables, dig, and hunt wild animals.

The act of sharpening a khukuri is a ritualistic process, symbolising the soldier’s commitment to duty and honour. People of Nepal worship the khukuri during various festivals.

Although the khukuri has undergone some changes in its appearance from ancient times to the modern era, its importance, respect, and identity have not diminished.

Published – June 28, 2026 10:32 am IST

Nepal Army soldiers patrol at the road near the Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Prime Minister’s office and other ministries, following protests against Monday’s killing of 19 people after anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban which was later lifted, in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 10, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Kathmandu:

Showcasing the strong ties between the two countries, Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi was on Thursday conferred with the prestigious rank of Honourary General of the Nepali Army.

This exchange of honourary generalship, a unique and cherished tradition between the Indian and Nepali Armies, highlights the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and military ties between the two nations.

General Dwivedi reached Kathmandu on Wednesday on a five-day official visit upon the invitation of General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepali Army.

The tradition of conferring honourary generalships between the Indian and Nepali Armies dates back to the 1950s. Every three years, the Chief of the Indian Army is made an Honourary General of the Nepali Army, and vice versa.

This practice reflects the mutual respect and enduring friendship between the two countries, particularly in the realms of military cooperation, defence collaboration, and shared strategic interests, a release said.

This symbolic exchange of titles goes beyond mere ceremony–it is a powerful testament to the longstanding solidarity, trust, and commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The tradition underscores the strong strategic partnership between the two forces, who work closely on a variety of fronts, including joint training, military exercises, and disaster response.

Both armies share similar values and a commitment to regional security, making this gesture of honour a reflection of their unity and shared purpose.

The Honourary Generalship is particularly meaningful given the unique socio-cultural bonds and open borders between India and Nepal. With shared security interests and a deep sense of camaraderie, the exchange of titles serves as a reminder of the close ties that transcend formal diplomatic relations.

It reinforces the enduring friendship and cooperation that have defined the relationship between the two nations for decades.

General Dwivedi’s visit and the conferral of this honour will not only strengthen military ties but also serve as a reflection of the deep respect between the two countries’ armed forces, further advancing the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)