General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army chief, stated that the lack of fresh Nepali Gorkha recruits has not impacted the army’s strength or readiness. Despite a four-year recruitment hiatus stemming from COVID-19, the military connection between India and Nepal remains robust, with initiatives underway to resume recruitment in alignment with Nepal’s sovereignty.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the chief of the Indian Army, addressed concerns regarding the absence of new Nepali Gorkha recruits in the prestigious Gorkha battalions during the annual Army Commanders’ Press Conference. He reaffirmed that this recruitment gap, lasting over four years, has not compromised the operational readiness or overall strength of the Indian Army. General Dwivedi highlighted that while the halt in recruitment is noticeable, the military’s key capabilities remain intact.
The recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas has long been integral to military traditions between India and Nepal, formalized by the 1947 tripartite agreement that fosters a robust partnership based on trust and valor. This longstanding relationship allows thousands of young Nepalis to join the Indian Gorkha regiments, esteemed for their discipline and combat prowess, which play crucial roles in national defense operations. Despite the recruitment freeze largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the military collaboration between the two nations has endured.
In a demonstration of mutual respect, General Dwivedi visited Nepal in 2024, where he was honored with the rank of General in the Nepali Army. Following this, Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel visited India and received the same honor. Both visits underscore the strong camaraderie and cultural ties that underpin the military rapport between India and Nepal, further emphasizing the importance of resuming the recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas with respect for Nepal’s sovereignty. The Indian Army is currently awaiting a response to its proposal to reinstate this time-honored tradition.
The recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army has historical roots, entrenched in a tripartite agreement established in 1947 involving India, Nepal, and the United Kingdom. This partnership has facilitated the enlistment of thousands of Nepali youth into the Gorkha regiments, which are renowned for their bravery and are an essential component of India’s military capabilities. The cessation of this recruitment process, primarily due to the pandemic, represents a significant disruption to this ceremonial and operational relationship, although the strategic ties between the two nations remain strong.
In conclusion, the Indian Army’s operational strength has not diminished due to the absence of Nepali Gorkha recruits, as confirmed by General Upendra Dwivedi. The long-standing relationship between India and Nepal in military recruitment, steeped in mutual respect and trust, remains crucial. As the Indian Army awaits a resolution to reinstate this vital recruitment process, the emphasis will continue to be on safeguarding cultural ties and operational readiness.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
