Recent changes to India’s military recruitment policies have prompted many young men in Nepal, training to join armed forces worldwide, to reconsider their options. Some have even turned their sights toward Russia.
In Pokhara, a picturesque city in western Nepal, around 60 young men warm up with jumping jacks at the Salute Gorkha Training Center. They are preparing for the next round of the Gurkha recruitment program aimed at the British Army and Singapore Police Force. Among them is 19-year-old Shishir Bhattari, who dreams of serving in the military. “I’ve wanted to be part of any army since I was a child,” he shares, crediting his mother for his aspirations.
Shishir recalls being inspired by a British Army recruiter who spoke at his school when he was in sixth grade. Initially, he hoped to join the Indian Army, as many Gurkhas have a rich history of serving in it. However, Nepal’s government paused Gurkha recruitment for the Indian Army in protest over rule changes introduced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
This decision has left many young men feeling disheartened. “It’s quite sad,” says Shishir. “Before, if we didn’t get into the British Army or Singapore Police, we could at least try for the Indian Army. I hope India changes the rules.”
The Long History of Gurkhas
Gurkhas, revered as some of the fiercest fighters, have served in the Indian Army for decades, including key battles like the Kargil War in 1999. Their presence traces back to the early 1800s, when they were first recruited by British forces. After their return to Nepal in 1999, recruitment agreements allowed Indian forces to continue enlisting Gurkhas.
However, with the introduction of the “Agnipath” scheme in June 2022, which limits recruits to a four-year tenure, concerns grew. This scheme has drawn criticism for its impact on recruitment opportunities future for Gurkhas.
Retired honorary captain Krishna Bahadur, who oversees training at the Salute Gorkha Training Center, noted, “This has seriously impacted the employment prospects for young boys in Nepal.” He explained that the low salaries in the Nepalese army push many to seek better opportunities abroad.
A Shift to Other Options
With the Indian recruitment pipeline closed, some young men have begun exploring more dangerous paths, including joining Russia’s army, despite the lack of an official recruitment agreement between Nepal and Russia. Reports indicate that around 15,000 men from Nepal may have joined the Russian forces, with at least 40 casualties recorded in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ramesh Bishwakarma, known as “Diamond, “ opted to join the Russian military for financial reasons, having previously served as a battalion co-commander during Nepal’s Maoist conflict. He explained his decision stemmed from the inadequate income he had while trying to support his family.
With the unemployment rate in Nepal around 12.6%, many young men see military service as one of the few paths to a stable income. Even so, reports of discrimination have surfaced regarding pay equity between Gurkhas and other soldiers in foreign armies.
Future of Recruitment Policies
Negotiations between India and Nepal concerning the Agnipath scheme remain stalled. During a recent visit by India’s army chief, the subject was not discussed, further complicating diplomatic relations. The new Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, is perceived as leaning towards China, creating additional tension.
While the path forward for the Gurkha recruitment appears uncertain, Shishir and fellow trainees remain committed, asserting that all armies are equal in their eyes. “We are Gurkhas. Our motto, ‘it’s better to die than be a coward,’ drives us to fight loyally for whichever army we serve,” Shishir stated as he and Ujwal continued their training.
Credit: Aljazeera
