
The Nepal government has officially appealed to Moscow to halt the enlistment of its citizens into the Russian military, citing the recent deaths of six Nepali soldiers serving in Russia. This development is surprising, given that Nepal lacks a formal military agreement with Russia, unlike its historical associations with the British and Indian armies.
The soldiers in question, known as Gurkhas, are celebrated for their courage and combat skills. Unlike the tripartite agreement in place since 1947, which allows Gurkhas to serve in the British and Indian armies, there is no comparable arrangement between Nepal and Russia. This request comes amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine since its invasion in February 2022.
Nepal’s foreign ministry confirmed that it had received information about the death of six Nepali citizens while serving in the Russian army and identified another citizen who is currently held in Ukraine after being admitted into the Russian army. The ministry did not provide specific details regarding the location, circumstances, or timeline of the six individuals’ deaths.
The foreign ministry, on Monday, announced that Nepal has formally asked the Russian government for the prompt repatriation of the deceased soldiers’ bodies and requested compensation for their families. Diplomatic initiatives are in progress to secure the release of a Nepali citizen serving in the Russian army and captured by Ukraine. Additionally, Nepal advised its citizens against joining the military of any nation engulfed in conflict.
Nepal, a predominantly Hindu country in the Himalayas, is situated more than 5,350 kilometres (3,325 miles) away from the conflict in Ukraine resulting from Russia’s invasion. A significant number of Nepalis seek employment abroad to earn income, and remittances play a vital role in Nepal’s economy, accounting for nearly a quarter of its gross domestic product last year. This percentage ranks ninth globally, according to the World Bank.
Current diplomatic endeavours are focused on securing the release of a Nepali citizen, serving in the Russian army and being captured by Ukrainian forces, as stated in an official announcement. The government is actively discouraging its citizens from enlisting in the military of any war-affected nation.
Nepal’s ambassador in Moscow, Milan Raj Tuladhar, revealed to The Kathmandu Post that an estimated 150-200 Nepali individuals are employed as mercenaries in the Russian army. This disclosure raises concerns about the extent of Nepali citizens involved in foreign military activities. As of now, the Russian embassy in Kathmandu has not responded to inquiries on this matter.
This unexpected development has sparked conversations about the overseas employment of Nepali nationals, with millions engaged in civilian roles, predominantly as labourers in South Korea, Malaysia, and the Middle East. The Nepal government’s appeal to cease recruitment into conflict-ridden countries underscores its commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its citizens amidst global geopolitical tensions.