KATHMANDU, August 10: The Government of Nepal has expressed growing concern over its citizens enlisting in foreign military services without official authorization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued a statement on August 1, expressing concern about Nepali nationals joining foreign military services. While acknowledging that Nepali citizens are allowed to join the national army of only a few countries as per bilateral agreements, the statement requested Nepali nationals not to engage in security-related work in war-torn countries.
There is indeed a long history of Nepali nationals serving in foreign armies. Nepali citizens are well known for their bravery and competence through their contributions to the British and Indian armies. As a legacy of the historic agreements with both the countries, hundreds of thousands of Nepali nationals have served for the two countries, while thousands are still in active service. However, the MoFA statement specifically objects to youths joining foreign armies other than those of India and Britain.
The MoFA's statement reinforces this stance, stating, "It is to inform that the Government of Nepal does not have a policy to allow Nepali nationals to join foreign armies, apart from the fact that Nepali citizens are being recruited in armies of certain friendly countries as per traditional agreements."
The MoFA has urged Nepali nationals not to engage in security work in war-torn countries based on external pressure or misinformation. An official of MoFA said, "It is advised to be aware of the potential risks and difficulties in rescue when involved in such work."
The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine prompted the MoFA to issue this statement. Recent reports circulating on social media and other outlets highlight Nepali youths allegedly being recruited into the Russian Army. Nepali youths who have joined the Russian army have begun sharing their experiences on TikTok. International media reports indicate that Nepali youths who initially went to Russia for educational purposes are now being enlisted in the Russian Army and participating in the war against Ukraine. In addition to students, ex-soldiers, and police personnel are also willing to join the Russian Army, according to a BBC report. The report by BBC mentions that Nepali nationals in the Russian Army receive salaries ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 300,000 per month.
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After a significant loss of military strength during the war with Ukraine, Russia has introduced a simple process and attractive salary incentives for foreign nationals to join its national army. Last September, the Russian parliament passed a law allowing foreign nationals who have served a year in the Russian armed forces to acquire citizenship certificates.
Similarly, there is no requirement for a residence permit to join the Russian Army. The Government of Nepal was under pressure after news spread worldwide that Nepali nationals attracted by such facilities were gradually enlisting in the Russian Army. For this reason, the MoFA issued a statement to alert Nepali nationals.
Which armies are Nepalis serving in?
The issue of Nepali nationals enlisting in foreign armies illegally is not new. Just last year, there were reports of Nepali nationals being recruited in the Ukrainian Army. Some young people who went there for educational purposes publicly stated their willingness to join the Ukrainian Army and fight against the Russian Army. Prior to that, the Ukrainian government had invited Nepali youths to join its army and fight against Russia.
Similarly, there were claims that Nepali nationals were serving illegally in the US and French armies. According to sources, there are 2,000 Nepali youths serving in the US Army and 1,000 in the French Army. Nepali youths who have gone to these countries for study have been recruited. The US government has allocated quotas in its military for immigrant "green card holders" who are foreign nationals. It is said that Nepali nationals join the military service under this quota and are deployed to conflict zones.
France has been recruiting foreigners into its 'French Foreign Legion' since 1831. There is a provision to obtain citizenship after serving in the army for four years. Nepali youths who have traveled to various European countries for study and employment often find their way to France and join the army there.
Recruitment is only allowed in the Indian and British armies
Nepali nationals are officially allowed to join the Indian and British armies as per an arrangement made after Nepal’s war with British India. In the war between Nepal and the British (British East India Company) that lasted from 1814 to 1816, the British were impressed by the bravery of the Gurkha soldiers and decided to include Nepali Gurkhas in their army.
In the middle of the war in 1815, under the leadership of Lieutenant Ross, a 'Nasiri Regiment' of about 5,000 troops was formed, including Gorkhalis and other tribes of India. This marked the history of Nepali nationals being recruited into foreign armies. This Nasiri regiment was later converted into the 'Gorkha Rifles'. Hence, the legacy of Gurkha recruitment is 208 years old. Nepali Gurkha soldiers have a history of fighting 17 major wars on behalf of Britain, from the Pindari War in India to World War I and World War II.
However, the official agreement for enlisting Nepali nationals in the British and Indian armies was made in 1947. In 1947, a tripartite agreement was signed between Nepal, India, and Britain. According to this agreement, there are currently 4,000 Nepali nationals working in the British Army and 32,000 in the Indian Gurkha Regiment.
"Nepali nationals who are risking their lives should be repatriated"
Scholar of military history Dr Prem Singh Basnyat says that Nepali nationals should not join foreign armies illegally. He emphasized that the government should be more cautious about this. “We must prioritize the safety of our nationals. A country that has experienced war should not expose our citizens to risk by allowing illegal recruitment,” he added. “Our government should be more responsible and accountable.”
Basnyat stated that the MoFA's statement alone will not solve the problem. "Western nations currently oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They have issued this statement under pressure. The government needs to repatriate Nepali nationals who are in danger due to illegal means and employed there under the guise of foreign employment," he further commented.
Basnyat argues that powerful nations have historically exploited citizens by recruiting nationals of impoverished countries like Nepal into the army and sending them to war-torn areas. “This is an absolute atrocity,” Basnyat said. "They employ tactics by ensnaring nationals of underprivileged countries like us in the trap of war, luring them away from their country's citizenship."
