NEW DELHI: Indian arms for Nepal
Posted by barunroy on July 23, 2009
FROM THE TRIBUNE
NEWS SHARED BY JTM
Eager to regain its foothold in Nepal and counter China’s strategic inroads, India will resume supplies of weapons to the Himalayan country. The arms supply was stopped in 2005.
Also, India will continue with its recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas for the Indian Army.
This comes after Nepal defence minister Bidya Devi Bhandari, and her 10-member delegation held talks with Indian Defence Minister AK Antony and other Defence officials here. The “Insas” rifles that is used by the Indian Army will be supplied to the Royal Nepal Army. The visiting delegation also discussed the aspect of training its army, sources in the Ministry of Defence said.
The recruitment of Nepalis in Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles also figured in the talks. No recruitment rallies were held in Nepal since September 2006 due to the strife in that country. It was only in February-March this year that the Indian Army once again began the process, with rallies in Dharan (eastern Nepal) and Pokhara (central Nepal), attracting over 15,000 applicants.
JTM said
Impressed to know that the Nepalese Defence Minister is a lady.
JTM said
Happy to know that the 3 years old deadlock is over. Ayo Gorkhali!