Indian army appears to be adequate as no Gorkha solider is recruited for the third time since the new Agnipath scheme commenced

As per the information, this is the third time that Indian army will not be recruiting Gorkha soldier in their unit since last June. Agnipath scheme started under current administration was approved in 2022. It is a military duty style scheme and is the only route to serve in the army. The recruits named Agniveers serve for a tenure of four years that include training for six months followed by 3.5 years of deployment. Once retired from the service they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces. The scheme was opposed by opposition including aspired candidates, but was put out anyways. Since then, more than 20,000 Agniveers have been recruited and kicked off their training at various regimental centers’.
But surprisingly one of the significant regiments called ‘Gorkha’ of India army has stopped applying to serve. Serving since 1815, the troops are mainly from ‘Gurkha’ ethnic communities of India and Nepal. Reportedly, Nepal objected to Army’s new policy claiming that it violates the 1947 Tripartite Agreement signed between the two countries and the UK. The agreement mentioned number of points that has to be considered by the nations’ army. Under the agreement, six out of ten Gorkha regiments decided to stay with Indian Army while four joined British Army. It all started when British Indian Army recruited them at the beginning, later during independence in 1974, agreement was signed between both the countries to divide the Gorkha regiment as per their choice.
Rajvendra Singh is a military expert who has contributed his knowledge at various platforms. Calling ‘Gorkha’ as one of the oldest and important regiment of Indian Army, he said it’s a loss for us. ‘Gorkha regiment has contributed so much to Indian Army. They have served in the Kargil War 1999 where Gorkha soldiers were awarded with Param Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. They are known for their bravery. British Indian Army was so impressed with Gorkhas during the Gurkha War, that they became the part of Army. Their potential was realized quickly by officials. They got recognition as before they were used as irregular forces. Decision to not apply for the position is loss for our army’, he said.
As per the information, 12000 Gorkha soldiers have retired since 2021 but no new Nepalese Gorkhas have been recruited as Nepal blocked the first round in last July, second round in February this year and the latest round that is taking place in various parts of the country. Singh explained the points in agreement that are clashing with new Agnipath scheme and said, ‘The Gurkha soldier must be recruited as a Nepali citizen, must serve as a Nepali citizen and must be resettled as a Nepali citizen. Gurkhas are fully integrated into the Army to which they are recruited and under no circumstances are they to be considered mercenaries. Gurkha soldiers in both Indian and British armies should receive the same basic rates of pay, etc. These are the three major points that Nepal believes threatens the agreement. To be precise, changes made by administration was not appreciated by number of Indian candidates as well, back then. But the dream of serving country dominated enough to apply irrespective of the other issues.’ He further added that, Indian Army should come up with some modifications or a solution and consider Nepal’s issue.
The scheme was not supported by Indian youth earlier and the massive protest erupted across the nation. Mainly in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, people were seen on streets, blocking traffics, burning trains and chanting slogans. The scheme ended several dreams, while recalling one of them Singh told EAT news, ‘My nephew wanted to join Indian Army and was preparing for it. But after this scheme, he dropped it altogether. Six months of training and the rest years of deployment. Then you need to apply again to continue in the army. Age is an important factor if you consider serving in forces and this whole Agnipath scheme risk this. Also, what if after 4 years, you will not be able to clear as it is mentioned that only 25 percent of Agniveers will be allowed to continue. So, he decided to switch.’
Despite of multiple protest, Administration continued with the scheme saying it will give long term benefit. Singh said it as a part of modernizing armed forces. He said, ‘The decision was made to cut down large sum of money in the form of salary and pension bills so that the money can be used in advancement of armed forces. India no doubt is focusing on its armed forces to advance them. With constant border tension with China and Pakistan and China’s aggressive approach, nation’s security needs to be tightened.’ Administration with number of military deals, weapon trade and Agnipath scheme is building up a new world for Indian armed forces.