On Monday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said that the Indian Army is doing well even though there haven’t been new recruits from Nepal for the Gorkha battalions in over four years. These battalions are very important and have faced difficulties because they haven’t been able to bring in young soldiers from Nepal.
The recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas has stopped due to a long-standing agreement made in 1947 between India, Nepal, and the United Kingdom. This agreement has helped thousands of Nepali young people join the Indian Gorkha regiments, which are known for their bravery and discipline.
General Dwivedi mentioned the recruitment gap but assured everyone that the army’s readiness and strength have not been affected. He also said, “We have sent our plan to the Government of Nepal and are waiting for their answer,” showing that India wants to start recruiting again while respecting Nepal’s independence.
The reason for this pause in recruitment was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gorkha battalions play an essential role in protecting India’s borders and taking part in important military missions.
Despite this recruitment issue, the friendship between India and Nepal remains strong. In 2024, General Upendra Dwivedi visited Nepal and received the title of General of the Nepali Army. This was a sign of the close bond between the two armies. Following that, the Nepali Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, visited India and was also honored with the title of General of the Indian Army.
Bringing back Nepali Gorkha recruitment is not just important for the military; it’s also key to maintaining the cultural and historical connection between the two nations.
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