In a significant development for India-Nepal relations, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is set to embark on an official visit to Nepal next week. This trip aims to bolster military ties between the two nations amidst recent tensions regarding the recruitment of Nepali Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme.
The backdrop of General Dwivedi’s visit is particularly critical, given Nepal’s decision to halt the recruitment of its youth for the Indian Army under this new framework. The Agnipath scheme allows military service for four years, but it has faced challenges regarding its applicability to Nepali Gorkhas, who constitute about 60 percent of the personnel in India’s 43 Gorkha battalions. Nepal’s government maintains that the terms of service do not align with the expectations of its young recruits, leading to the suspension of their participation.
Former Major General Ashok Mehta highlighted this strategic recruitment issue, suggesting that if the traditional recruitment norms cannot be honored, it may be necessary to consider concessions that would benefit Gorkha soldiers to preserve the long-standing relationship with Nepal.
Gen. Dwivedi’s visit is anticipated to address these concerns, focusing on the ongoing modernization efforts within both nations’ armed forces. India has historically supported Nepal in upgrading its military capabilities by supplying various military hardware, including small arms, vehicles, and advanced training simulators. The two countries have engaged through the Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues (NIBCGSI), which has convened 15 times to strategize on defense cooperation and initiatives.
Education and training form another cornerstone of the military partnership between India and Nepal. This year alone, over 300 Nepali Army personnel have undergone training in India, focusing on critical areas such as counterinsurgency, leadership development, and peacekeeping operations.
General Dwivedi’s discussions in Nepal are expected to encourage continued collaboration in joint military exercises, training programs, and discussions on regional and global security. One of the key components of this cooperation is the annual Surya Kiran joint military exercise, which enhances interoperability between the Indian and Nepali armed forces. The upcoming 18th edition of this exercise is scheduled for December 2024 in Nepal, focusing on vital areas such as counterterrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance.
In addition to his defense-related engagements, General Dwivedi is also expected to visit the sacred Sri Muktinath Temple, highlighting the cultural dimensions of the India-Nepal relationship alongside the strategic and military aspects. As both nations continue to navigate complex defense dynamics, General Dwivedi’s visit is poised to be a pivotal moment in re-establishing strong military ties and ensuring robust future collaboration.
