Former Indian Navy Chief Says Gurkha Recruitment Halt is Temporary, Awaits Nepal Government Decision

Kathmandu. Former Indian Navy Chief, Sanjay Jasjit Singh, stated that the halt in the Gurkha recruitment process in the Indian Army is temporary. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Tuesday, he claimed that the process would resume immediately once the Nepal government makes a decision.

Mentioning the centuries-old relationship between Nepal and India, he expressed confidence that the current misunderstandings regarding Gurkha soldiers would be resolved soon. Clarifying the confusion created by the 'Agniveer' scheme, Singh argued that it should be viewed as an opportunity for the youth rather than a 'setback'.

Drawing historical context, he recalled that until 1975, the service period in the Indian Army was seven years and was not pensionable. 'This system is based on the concept of making the youth disciplined and sending them back to civil society after making them capable,' he said. He added that the recruitment process would return to its old rhythm and the Gurkhas would remain an integral part of the Indian Army once Nepal's concerns are addressed.

At the event, Singh also opined that although Nepal is a landlocked nation, due to connectivity, it is practically a 'maritime nation'. He noted that since 96 percent of India's oil and the fuel coming to Nepal are supplied by sea, maritime security directly affects Nepal. He claimed that connectivity through ports has improved via India's 'Sagarmala' project, which has significantly facilitated trade by reducing the time taken for Nepal's cargo transport.

Emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries should be evaluated based on shared history and civilization, not in decades or years, he stated that they must move forward with mutual cooperation and coordination. Interpreting the obstruction in the recruitment process as a technical matter, he signaled that it would conclude soon with the consensus of both countries.