Kathmandu: Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), visited Nepal on February 13 to 14, 2026, to advance the nearly 79-year U.S.-Nepal partnership and support Nepal’s path toward self-reliance in disaster preparedness and peacekeeping excellence.
The visit underscored Nepal’s leadership in promoting regional stability, disaster preparedness, and peacekeeping, with both sides noting that cooperation in these areas benefits citizens of Nepal and the United States, as well as global peacekeeping efforts.
During the visit, Admiral Paparo met with Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel to discuss disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and Nepal’s significant contributions to international peacekeeping missions.
At the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Panchkhal, Paparo interacted with Nepali peacekeeping professionals and discussed pre-deployment training. The Centre prepares troops for United Nations peacekeeping missions and supports multinational peace operations.
The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), led by Director Suzanne P. Vares-Lum, also hosted an alumni event for Nepali graduates of its programs. Alumni exchanged ideas, strengthened professional networks, and explored collaborative approaches to regional security challenges.
INDOPACOM continues to work closely with Nepal to enhance disaster response capabilities through joint exercises, technical assistance, and the provision of non-combat equipment, including helicopters, vehicles, and communication systems. Additional U.S. training and logistical support aim to strengthen Nepal’s capacity to conduct peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, contributing to greater self-reliance and regional resilience.
