By Prem Sagar Poudel
The war between Ukraine and Russia has heightened geopolitical tensions around the world. Meanwhile, the subject of Britain’s deployment of its traditional “war hero” Gurkha soldiers to Ukraine has drawn international attention. But is this deployment simply a peacekeeping mission or direct participation in war? The question has sent sensations from Nepal to Europe. The history of the Gurkha soldiers, Nepal’s policy of neutrality, Britain’s strategic interests, and the response’s conflict of Russia have complicated the issue. Not only this, but it also touches upon the future of more than 4,000 Gurkha families, the economy of Nepal, and the tenets of international military law. In this article, I have attempted to analyze the multifaceted aspects of this dispute, its potential impact, and the deep political contradictions.
Recently, the issue of Britain going to sending Gurkha soldiers to fight against Russia in Ukraine has gained importance in some international media and social media. However, there has been no official confirmation of this. This has led to the issue becoming a focus of speculation, controversy, and geopolitical suspicion.
The Gurkha soldiers are British Army soldiers of Nepali origin, with a history connecting back to the 19th century. There are over 4,000 Gurkha soldiers serving in the British Army in various roles, including engineering, signals, and security. They are known worldwide for their bravery. However, their presence is more in peacekeeping missions (such as under the United Nations) and internal security than in warfare.
Express.co.uk (March 2025) reported that the British Army is planning to form a new Gurkha regiment and send it to Ukraine. It said the deployment would be in the context of a peace agreement after the Russia-Ukraine war. Similarly, the Eurasian Times has also pointed out a similar possibility. But it has stressed that this will only be for “peacekeeping missions” and not for war.
The BBC (February 2025) reported on the British Army’s preparations for a military deployment in Ukraine but did not specifically mention the Gurkhas. Neither the British Ministry of Defence nor the Nepalese government has yet issued any statement or comment on the matter. Which raises questions about its credibility.
Nepal has adopted a “non-aligned foreign policy and military non alignment” policy as per its foreign policy and constitution. This policy of Nepal could create pressure if Gurkha soldiers are deployed in the war zone. Some leaders of Nepali political parties, such as the UML and the Maoist Center, have responded by calling the deployment a “violation of international law.”
Russia has already accused Western countries of providing military assistance to Ukraine. The Gurkha deployment could see this as a “direct strike.” China, which is an ally of Russia, could also interpret this as a weak and sensitive geopolitical move. This could strain Sino-British relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to international humanitarian law, neutrality must be maintained even in peacekeeping missions. If Gurkha soldiers find themselves in a war zone, their safety and the legitimacy of the mission could be questioned.
Gurkha soldiers are considered “affordable” for the British army. Under the agreement with Nepal, their salaries are lower than those of British soldiers. Recruitment into the army in Britain is declining. In 2023, the British army numbered just 76,000 (below the target of 82,000). This has led to an increased tendency to use the Gurkhas as an “alternative force”.
Nepal earns an annual income of 350 million US dollars (about 46 billion Nepalese rupees) from the Gurkha soldiers. This is a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for the country. If the Gurkhas are killed or injured on the battlefield, there could be an uprising against the government in Nepal. Anger spread in Nepal after the death of a Gurkha soldier in Iraq in 2015.
Britain’s policy of providing military assistance to Ukraine has moved forward. However, analysts say that Britain, which is a NATO member and does not like direct military intervention, is trying to send the Gurkhas under the pretext of a “peacekeeping mission.” Due to China’s growing influence in Nepal, if Britain deploys Gurkhas, China could challenge it through Nepal. If Russia starts to view Nepal as a “Western ally,” the incidence of Nepali youth joining the Russian army (The Gurkha Welfare Trust, 2023) may increase.
According to the information as of now, It is not yet clear whether Britain will send Gurkha soldiers to fight in Ukraine. However, the possibility of a deployment in the name of a peacekeeping mission could increase tensions between Nepal, Russia, and China. Nepal needs to exercise diplomatic vigilance to maintain its neutrality and ensure the safety of the Gurkhas. Additionally, Nepal must be serious and sensitive to avoid damaging regional stability and our ancient and deep-rooted relations with China and Russia.
Has the line between peacekeeping and war become blurred? How long will Gurkha soldiers be forced to become pawns in international politics?
Source: Daily Express, Eurasian Times, BBC, The Gurkha Welfare Trust, X (Twitter)
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