In the chilly air of Pokhara, Nepal, a group of about 60 young men are warming up with jumping jacks as part of their training for the Gurkha recruitment program. The training prepares them for potential enlistment in the British Army or Singapore Police Force. Among them is Shishir Bhattari, a 19-year-old from central Nepal, who has long aspired to join the military.
Inspired by his mother’s encouragement and a talk by a British Army member during his school years, Shishir aimed to join the British Army, initially aspiring to join the Indian Army due to his cultural and familial ties. However, changes in Indian recruitment rules have since closed that door, leaving many like Shishir with fewer options.
The Gurkhas, renowned for their fearlessness and discipline, have served in multiple armies, including the British and Indian forces, for centuries. Their history dates back to the early 1800s when they were recruited by the British East India Company, and their role in India continued after the country’s independence.
A tripartite agreement between Nepal, India, and the UK allowed Gurkhas to join the Indian Army, a path that was significantly impacted when India introduced the “Agnipath” scheme in 2022. This new recruitment system, which shortens service to four years and limits benefits, has caused frustration among many Gurkhas, as it impacts their long-standing military service tradition.
Shishir’s dream of joining the Indian Army was thwarted when Nepal paused recruitment in protest over the changes to the Agnipath scheme. The Nepalese government argued that the tripartite treaty, which requires consultation on recruitment changes, had been violated.
Gurkha Recruitment Crisis as Nepalese Youth Navigate Shifting Military Opportunities Amid Agnipath Scheme
Retired Captain Krishna Bahadur, a Gurkha who served in the Indian Army for 30 years and now trains recruits in Nepal, sees this development as a significant setback. Bahadur emphasizes the impact on young men who now face limited employment opportunities, as the salary in Nepal’s own army is far lower than the pay abroad.
The Agnipath scheme has drawn political controversy in India, with critics arguing that it is financially motivated, despite claims by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the policy is aimed at strengthening the military. Bahadur shares his own experience, noting that his time in the Indian Army provided financial benefits for himself and his family. He hopes for a resolution that would allow young Gurkhas to continue serving in the Indian military, which has historically been a vital source of employment for Nepalese men.
In addition to training for foreign militaries, young men like Shishir and his peers are honing their physical skills in hopes of securing a place in the British Army or Singapore Police Force. These forces have long recruited Gurkhas due to their renowned combat abilities.
Every year, around 20,000 Nepalese apply for a spot in the British Army, but only a few hundred are selected. Similarly, the Singapore Police Force hires a smaller number. Ujwal Rai, another young recruit from eastern Nepal, is focused on joining the Singapore Police Force after the suspension of Indian Army recruitment.
The limited employment options in Nepal contribute to the high number of young men pursuing careers in foreign armed forces. Nepal’s unemployment rate, which was 12.6% between 2022 and 2023, highlights the economic challenges young Nepalese face.
Gurkha Recruitment Crisis as Nepalese Youth Navigate Shifting Military Opportunities Amid Agnipath Scheme
Many see joining the British or Singapore forces as a way to support their families financially, as the salaries in these armies are far higher than those available in Nepal. In contrast, salaries for Nepalese soldiers are low, averaging about $200 per month, a fraction of what soldiers in other countries earn.
Despite the allure of foreign military service, joining these forces does come with its challenges. Gurkhas have historically faced discrimination in terms of pay and treatment compared to their British counterparts.
Jaya Prakash Gurung, a former British Army Gurkha and the managing director of a training center in Pokhara, recalls instances of such disparities but notes that reforms have been made to address these issues. He also criticizes the Agnipath scheme in India, arguing that the new system is unfair to young Gurkhas who have long contributed to the Indian military.
The lack of domestic opportunities has also led some young men to pursue more dangerous paths. Some are turning to the Russian military, where they can earn higher wages. Although there is no formal agreement between Nepal and Russia, reports indicate that thousands of Nepalese have joined the Russian army, with some serving in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ramesh Bishwakarma, a former member of Nepal’s Maoist army, shares his experience of joining the Russian army for financial reasons. The appeal of a higher salary, along with an ideological connection to Russia’s communist history, motivated him to take this drastic step.
While the situation remains difficult for many young Nepalese men, Bahadur advises them to explore other options, such as studying or finding alternative employment if they do not succeed in their military aspirations. As discussions between India and Nepal over the Agnipath scheme continue, the future of Gurkha recruitment remains uncertain. However, young men like Shishir and Ujwal remain determined to follow the Gurkha motto, “better to die than be a coward,” regardless of which army they may eventually serve in.
Amidst this uncertainty, the sense of pride and loyalty that comes with being a Gurkha continues to drive these young recruits. Shishir and Ujwal, along with others at the training center, are committed to following in the footsteps of their forefathers, aiming to serve with honor in whichever army they are selected for. Their perseverance and determination to serve, despite the challenges they face, exemplify the enduring spirit of the Gurkha soldier.
