Nepal in the Arena of Regional Power Competition: Admiral Paparo’s Strategic Visit
Kathmandu — Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), expressed his commitment to further strengthening the nearly 79-year-old U.S.–Nepal partnership during a three-day official visit, meeting with Nepal’s senior leadership. The focus of the visit was reportedly to enhance Nepal’s self-reliance in disaster preparedness, expand capabilities for humanitarian assistance, and promote excellence in peacekeeping operations.
During formal talks in Kathmandu, Admiral Paparo met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister to discuss the priorities of bilateral cooperation. Key topics included disaster risk reduction, humanitarian assistance, and enhancing Nepal’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions. Both sides reportedly committed to maintaining collaboration based on regional stability, coordination, and mutual trust.
During the visit, Admiral Paparo also interacted with alumni and security experts associated with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS). The program reportedly featured open discussions on emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, strategic cooperation, and knowledge-sharing. This interaction is expected to strengthen institutional ties and professional networks between Nepal and the United States.
On the second day, Admiral Paparo visited the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Panchkhal, a key institution that prepares Nepali soldiers and security personnel for United Nations peacekeeping missions. During the visit, he observed pre-deployment training, exercises, and operational capabilities, engaging directly with instructors and peacekeepers. He praised Nepal’s role in international peacekeeping efforts and signaled the intention to further strengthen future training, technical cooperation, and exchange of experiences.
Admiral Paparo also held high-level talks with the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army. The discussions reportedly focused on bilateral military cooperation, joint exercises in disaster management, provision of technical and non-combat equipment, and coordination in humanitarian assistance operations. Emphasis was placed on the importance of international partnerships to enhance Nepal’s rapid response capabilities, given its high vulnerability to natural disasters.
Over the past decade, military and humanitarian cooperation between the United States and Nepal has steadily expanded. Areas of collaboration include disaster management training, search and rescue exercises, peacekeeping preparation programs, and institutional capacity development. This visit is expected to accelerate these efforts and advance the partnership to a new stage based on shared values and mutual interests.
