Nepali Youths Demand Resumption of Gorkha Recruitment in Indian Army Under Agnipath
Pokhara, August 13: A group of Nepali youths, former Gorkha soldiers and their families staged a demonstration in Pokhara, demanding the resumption of recruitment of Nepali citizens into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme.
The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Nepal government, arguing that joining the Indian Army as Agniveers remains a more attractive opportunity for many Nepali youths than seeking employment in Gulf countries. The demonstration also highlighted the deep and longstanding military and social ties between Nepal and India.
Gorkha Recruitment Has Remained Stalled
Recruitment of Nepali youths into the Indian Army was already disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a hiatus of more than two years. When India introduced the Agnipath recruitment scheme in 2022, Nepal raised concerns about applying the new system to Gorkha recruitment.
Under Agnipath, recruits serve for four years, after which up to 25% may be retained in the Armed Forces, while the remaining personnel leave with a financial package.
Nepal had expressed reservations over the four-year service model and argued that the new arrangement required consideration in the context of the 1947 India-Nepal-UK Tripartite Agreement, which forms the historical framework for Gorkha recruitment.
‘Army Service Better Than Gulf Employment’
The latest protests underline the continuing demand among sections of Nepali society for the traditional Gorkha connection with the Indian Army to be revived.
For generations, military service in the Indian Army has been an important employment opportunity for Nepali youths and has also created strong social and economic links between the two countries.
Protesters in Pokhara argued that even under the Agnipath system, military service offers discipline, training, professional experience and a structured career pathway that many young people consider preferable to migration for employment.
Issue Gains Significance Ahead of Army Chief’s Nepal Visit
The protest comes shortly before Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth’s scheduled visit to Nepal from August 16, giving the issue additional diplomatic and strategic significance.
The Gorkha connection has traditionally been an important component of India-Nepal relations, with the two countries maintaining close military-to-military ties and the reciprocal tradition of Army chiefs serving as honorary generals.
The demand for recruitment therefore extends beyond employment concerns and touches upon a long-standing military relationship between the two nations.
Decision Ultimately Rests With Nepal
While India has indicated its willingness to continue recruiting Nepali Gorkhas under the Agnipath framework, the recruitment process has remained stalled because of the lack of a final decision from Kathmandu.
The latest demonstration indicates that the issue continues to have significant resonance among prospective recruits and Gorkha veterans.
As General Dhiraj Seth prepares for his Nepal visit, Gorkha recruitment, military cooperation and the future of the historic Gorkha connection could remain important subjects of discussion between the two sides.