Since 2019, there has been a notable decline in the recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army, marking a significant shift in the composition of this historically vital force. The Gorkha Regiment, which has a legacy of over 200 years characterized by unparalleled loyalty and bravery, has soldiers that previously served in the armies of India, the UK, and Nepal. However, current trends indicate that the longstanding partnership between Nepal and India regarding Gorkha recruitment may be reaching a critical juncture.

The Gorkha Regiment has been synonymous with heroism, earning global recognition for its soldiers’ valor. Traditionally, this regiment was a mixture of Nepali and Indian Gorkhas, but recent developments have resulted in a drastic reduction of Nepali Gorkhas within the Indian Army. Nepal’s decision to cease recruitment of its citizens into the Indian armed forces is attributed to the introduction of the Agnipath scheme by India, which has sparked significant controversy and dissent within Nepal. Consequently, Nepal has barred any recruitment drives within its borders, adversely affecting the inflow of new Nepali recruits.

As of 2024, the consequences of these changes have become increasingly apparent. Not a single Nepali Gorkha has been enlisted in the Indian Army since 2019, and the operational strength of existing Nepali Gorkha soldiers is diminishing due to retirements. Experts warn that if this trend continues, the Gorkha regiments could be devoid of Nepali representation within the next ten to twelve years, marking an end to an era that has long defined these units.

Currently, the Indian Army has seen a decrease of approximately 150 to 200 Nepali Gorkhas among its battalions. In a bid to counterbalance this shortfall, the Army has begun the process of recruiting from other regions, particularly the Kumaon and Garhwal areas of Uttarakhand. While these new recruits bring their own strengths and pride, the absence of traditional Nepali Gorkhas represents a significant change for the regiments that have historically relied on them.

The implications of Nepal’s recruitment cessation extend beyond the Indian Army. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with reports emerging that neighboring China is considering enlisting Nepali Gorkhas for its own military forces, a move that could further complicate India’s security strategy in the region. Additionally, the United Kingdom is eyeing the Gorkha community, intending to bolster its own Gorkha forces, including the Royal Gurkha Rifles, signaling an effort to enhance military ties that date back to the colonial period.

Historically, the demographic makeup of the Gorkha Regiment has evolved significantly. Prior to Indian independence, nearly 90 percent of Gorkha soldiers came from Nepal. In contrast, the current demographic balance sees about 60 percent of Gorkhas as Nepali and 40 percent as Indian. The diminishing pool of Nepali Gorkhas, coupled with the insufficient supply of Indian Gorkhas, places the future of the Gorkha regiments in jeopardy.

The deteriorating situation has also amplified expectations surrounding the impending visit of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Nepal. While this visit might foster discussions around recruitment agreements between India and Nepal, experts caution that the outcome relies largely on diplomatic negotiations rather than military dialogues alone.

With seven Gorkha regiments and more than 43 battalions within the Indian Army, the loss of Nepali Gorkhas is not just a statistical concern; it is indicative of an evolving military identity that could reshape the storied legacy of Gorkha courage and sacrifice.

The Indian Army has successfully concluded the multilateral joint exercise known as ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’, held in Gujarat. This comprehensive disaster relief drill saw participation from nine friendly nations, underscoring the event’s significance in enhancing international cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

During the exercise, participating forces engaged in a series of simulated scenarios that highlighted the essential skills and coordination necessary for effective disaster relief operations. The exercises were designed to improve tactical proficiency, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices among the diverse contingents involved.

The Indian Army played a pivotal role in the organization and execution of the exercise, demonstrating its capability to lead such international initiatives aimed at addressing natural calamities and other emergencies. The exercise not only fostered mutual understanding and camaraderie among the participating countries but also aimed to create a unified response mechanism for crises that can strike at any time.

Events during the drill included search and rescue operations, medical assistance, and logistical support exercises that were crucial in showcasing how collective strength and expertise could be mobilized rapidly in the wake of disasters. The collaborative spirit displayed by the nations involved reflects a growing commitment to collective security and disaster preparedness on a global scale.

As the closing ceremony wrapped up, leaders from the participating nations expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside one another, emphasizing the importance of such exercises in building long-lasting partnerships and enhancing readiness for potential future challenges.

The completion of ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ not only reinforces the Indian Army’s leadership role in regional security but also highlights its dedication to fostering international collaboration for humanitarian purposes. The successful execution of the drill serves as a testament to the enhanced capabilities of the armed forces in responding to disasters and underscores the shared commitment to safeguard lives across borders.

The Indian Army has successfully concluded the multilateral joint exercise known as ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ held in Gujarat. This significant event brought together armed forces from nine friendly nations, showcasing a collaborative approach to disaster management and relief operations.

The exercise was designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability among participating countries in responding to various disaster scenarios effectively. During the extensive training sessions, troops engaged in a range of simulated exercises that tested their capabilities in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Over the course of the event, forces exchanged best practices and techniques essential for responding to natural calamities, intending to bolster regional security and preparedness. The exercise included field drills, tactical simulations, and discussions focusing on logistics, command structures, and medical response during emergencies.

Participants came from a diverse set of countries, reflecting a robust commitment to collective action in the face of disasters. This engagement not only fortifies existing defense relations but also reinforces a shared understanding of the challenges posed by natural disasters and the need for cohesive responses.

As global climate patterns evolve, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have increased, making joint training exercises like Sanyukt Vimochan crucial. Officials lauded the event as a step forward in multinational collaboration and an important measure in building capacity for disaster response operations.

The successful conclusion of Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 underlines the Indian Army’s dedication to developing strategic partnerships and enhancing preparedness for humanitarian missions, ensuring a rapid and organized response to future disaster scenarios.

Bharat Forge Ltd has secured its position as the lowest bidder for a significant contract worth over ₹6,000 crore for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army. The contract is set to be divided between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), with a distribution ratio of 60:40. Both companies are recognized as development partners of the ATAGS, which was initially developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of the 155mm/52cal ATAGS, including Gun Towing Vehicles (GTVs), meant to replace the aging fleet of Bofors guns currently in use by the Indian Army.

Bharat Forge announced on Tuesday that the ongoing contract negotiation procedure is in progress following the completion of the due technical evaluation and the opening of commercial bids. In contrast, TASL has not provided specific updates regarding its bidding status, with sources merely indicating that price negotiations are ongoing and that details will be disclosed once the deal is finalized.

According to knowledgeable sources, the Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) established by the Ministry of Defence has concluded the final round of contract negotiations. As Bharat Forge has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1), it is set to receive 60 percent of the contract value, translating to over ₹4,000 crore. Meanwhile, TASL will be responsible for manufacturing 40 percent of the 307 guns, amounting to approximately ₹2,000 crore.

Bharat Forge has indicated a commitment to updating the stock exchange regarding the outcome of the negotiation process, which is anticipated to conclude before the end of the current financial year 2024-25.

Prior to the bidding process, the Indian Army conducted extensive trials in diverse conditions, including desert and high-altitude environments, to evaluate the capabilities of the towed guns. In addition to domestic procurement, India has already exported ATAGS to Armenia, with interest from several other countries also reported.

The developments highlight the strengthening of India’s defense procurement landscape and the focus on enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army with advanced artillery systems.