Army Chiefs to Visit Nepal for Restart of Gorkha Recruitment
The Chief of Army Staff of India, General Manoj Pande, is set to visit Nepal to engage in discussions with his Nepalese counterpart, General Prabhu Ram Sharma, regarding the resumption of Gorkha recruitment into the Indian Army.
The visit comes amid efforts to mend ties following a hiatus in recruitment caused by Nepal’s concerns over India’s Agnipath Scheme.
Addressing Nepal’s Concerns on Agnipath Scheme
The Gorkha recruitment program has been a cornerstone of India-Nepal military relations for decades. However, the introduction of India’s Agnipath Scheme, which offers four-year tenures to soldiers, raised apprehensions in Nepal, resulting in the suspension of the recruitment process.
Nepalese officials have expressed concerns that the short-term service model undermines the long-standing tradition of offering Gorkha recruits a secure future with pensions and benefits. The upcoming high-level talks aim to address these apprehensions and pave the way for the resumption of recruitment.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
General Pande’s visit underscores India’s commitment to maintaining strong military ties with Nepal, which has been a trusted partner in the region. Both armies share a rich history of cooperation, with Gorkha soldiers serving with distinction in the Indian Army.
The Indian Army has historically recruited thousands of Gorkha soldiers annually, many of whom have earned laurels for their bravery and commitment. The discussions in Nepal will focus on finding a mutually agreeable solution to resume this tradition while respecting Nepal’s sovereignty and addressing their concerns.
Positive Outlook
Nepal’s cooperation in resolving the recruitment stalemate would reaffirm the strong historical bond between the two nations. The meeting between the Army Chiefs is expected to chart a course for future collaborations, ensuring that the legacy of Gorkha soldiers continues to thrive in the Indian Army.
