Kosh Raj Koirala

A parliamentary committee overseeing issues related to the country´s foreign relations has proposed bringing halt to the recruitment of Nepali youths in Indian and British Gurkha armies.

A new Concept Paper on Nepal´s Foreign Policy on Changed Context that was passed unanimously by the parliamentary committee on International Relations and Human Rights made the proposal to shut down Gurkha recruitment centers in Nepal, concluding that the recruitment of Nepali youths in the armies of foreign countries had done more harm than good to Nepal.

“Though the Gurkha recruitment centers have provided small employment opportunities for Nepali youths, the recruitment in the army of foreign countries has left the country unable to uphold national prestige. Nepal´s foreign policy regarding Gurkha recruitment centers calls for a review as the country is put in additional loss especially after the provision made by the UK government to give citizenships to Gurkha soldiers,” states the policy concept paper finalized after consultations with variPous line ministries and stake holders.

“The agreement reached between Nepal, India and the UK on Gurkha army does not serve our national interest. We should stop recruitment of Nepali youths in the foreign armies after making alternative employment arrangement at home,” said Padam Lal Biswakarma, the chairman of the parliamentary committee.

“This is a very sensitive issue. Nowhere in the world has this type of system of recruiting youths from other countries in their army,” Bishwakarma further said.

Thousands of Nepali youths fought during first and second world war on behalf of East-India Company. After the independence of India in 1947 from the United Kingdom, it was decided between the two governments to split the Gurkha regiments between the British and Indian armies six Gurkha units became part of the new Indian Army, while four were made a part of British Army.

The parliamentary committee had formed a sub-committee some six month ago to formulate a draft concept paper on Nepal´s Foreign Policy in the changed political contexts in the country. “We are preparing to take the policy concept paper to the parliament before sending it to various ministries for further consultation,” Bishwakarma added.

The concept paper while identifying foreign employment, trade, industries, foreign direct investment, tourism, water resources, service sectors and agro-forestry sectors as possible areas of economic diplomacy has also made various recommendations to promote economic diplomacy.

Among other things, the policy concept paper has proposed that Nepal should adopt a policy of equi-proximity while dealing with India and China.

The policy concept paper has sought amendments in various unequal treaties with India such as Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950), Koshi Treaty (1959), Strengthening of Army and Arm Procurement Treaty (1965) in tune with changed contexts through diplomatic channel.

“We have also made detailed study on the functioning of foreign ministry and diplomatic missions and other agencies under the aegis of the ministry and made several recommendations as a part of institutional reforms,” said Bishwakarma.

Published on: 1 January 2012 | Republica