Kathmandu, September 5Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari conferred the title of Honorary General of the Nepali Army to the Indian Army chief, Gen Manoj Pande, at a special ceremony here on Monday, continuing the seven-decade-old tradition reflecting the close ties between the two countries.General Pande was also presented a sword and scroll during the ceremony held at the President’s official residence, Shital Niwas, in Kathmandu.Following the ceremony, General Pande called on the President of Nepal. Earlier, Gen Pande laid a wreath and paid homage at Bir Smarak (martyrs’ memorial) at Kathmandu. Thereafter, he visited the Nepali Army headquarters where he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour.General Pande also handed over various non-lethal military items to Nepalese counterpart Gen PR Sharma.