Military is vital for the national power of a country. Every country requires a robust military to ensure the national security, personal security, happiness and prosperity of its citizens. Beyond sheer hard power, however, soft power elements like military diplomacy play an equally significant role in national strength. South African researchers Martin Edmonds and Greg Mills define military diplomacy as “the use of armed forces (except warfare) to achieve national goals.” This principle should be a guiding force for our military diplomacy strategy.

Through goodwill exchanges, joint training exercises and defense cooperation, militaries worldwide can foster stronger ties and shared understanding. In recent years, such a diplomacy has become an indispensable tool in foreign policy, enabling nations to advance their security interests with mutual discussion and harmony without resorting to conflict.

In Nepal, military diplomacy is unique and well-documented in its military history. Today, our diplomatic engagements extend to multiple countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Western countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany among others. India stands out as a vital partner and key supplier of defense materials for the Nepali Army. This article focuses on the potential and depth of Nepal’s military diplomacy with India in the context of the visit of two Indian security chiefs—Indian Army chief Upendra Dwivedi and SSB chief Amrit Mohan Prasad—this month.

Significance

The friendship between Nepal and India is underpinned by deep-rooted people-to-people connections. Since 1950, both countries have conferred the rank of Honorary General upon each other’s army chiefs, which shows the mutual respect and trust shared by the two armies. Moreover, India’s contributions to the modernisation of the Nepali Army have been substantial.

As India rises as a global military power, Nepal can benefit from its experiences. India’s transformative initiatives—force restructuring, the incorporation of advanced technology and enhanced efficiency—offer valuable insights. India’s strides in self-reliance under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative have further reduced its dependence on foreign suppliers, allowing it to export high-value defense products. Similarly, Nepal could also develop its indigenous capabilities and reduce external dependency on its defense in the future.

A sovereign nation is never defined as large or small. The goodwill and support extended to neighbours affirm the harmony between neighbouring countries. We will not remain in the same situation of security forever; our priorities are ever-changing, and military diplomacy is an effective way to navigate unforeseen security challenges.

Addressing common concerns

Nepal and India share a long, open border, which, while facilitating mutual access, can lead towards unexpected transnational security challenges. Clear communication between top leaders is essential to prevent misunderstandings. Regular high-level military visits can help address security concerns and strengthen mutual trust. The Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group Mechanism is also an effective diplomatic platform for such works. It is worth noting that Nepal’s former Chief of Army Staff played a key role in breaking the impasse during the 2015 Indian blockade.

Regional security concerns extend beyond traditional military issues. These days, climate-related disasters, transnational threats and terrorism have become key considerations. The October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Sikkim, which led to the collapse of the Teesta III hydroelectric dam, was one of the worst climate-induced disasters in the region. Nepal is also susceptible to similar GLOF events. The Thyambo glacial lake outburst flood, which swept away Thame village in the Khumbu region on August 16, 2024, is a recent example. Given the national security implications, the military of both countries should collaborate on disaster management and other shared concerns.

Promoting peace and stability

Historically, Nepal's contributions to global peace have been celebrated, and our soft power has played a vital role in supporting these efforts. Nepali soldiers have participated in many global conflicts, including the World Wars, counter-insurgencies and counter-terrorism operations. They are primarily serving as peacekeepers in various challenging operational environments. In many ways, the armies of Nepal and India can learn from each other’s experiences.

India places immense trust in Nepali youth in the military, particularly the Gurkha soldiers, who have been integral to the Indian Army since colonial times. The strength of this bond is evident in Gurkha soldiers’ participation in every Indian military campaign since India’s independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Parliament of Nepal on August 3, 2014, said that Hindustan has got no victory in any war without the bloodshed of brave Gurkha soldiers. Similarly, a former Indian Ambassador to Nepal noted, "The valour of Gurkha soldiers is deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of the Indian people."

Strategising military diplomacy

Joint military exercises, like the Surya Kiran series (a joint military exercise) held regularly between Nepal and India, are essential to foster cooperation. These exercises develop professionalism, camaraderie and mutual respect between the two armies. Many officers and soldiers from the Nepali Army have benefited from high-quality training at Indian military institutions, forming lifelong bonds. As a graduate of the Indian Military Academy, the Defense Services Staff College, among others, this scribe has personally experienced their high standards of training and the mutual respect between all ranks of the two armies.

Nepal continues to provide essential training for selected Indian military officers. Additionally, around 35,000 Nepali personnel currently serve in seven Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army, and over 120,000 pensioners reside in Nepal. These figures underscore the value of military diplomacy between the two countries.

India’s growing prestige in the international community is undeniable, with its military ranked fifth globally, according to the Global Fire Power Index. The military-to-military relationship between India and Nepal transcends political and geographic boundaries, serving both nations' foreign policy objectives. The spectrum of military diplomacy is much more extensive. The regular visits of Indian military delegations to Kathmandu will strengthen the relationship between the two countries by creating new opportunities for cooperation.