The Tripartite Agreement on Gurkha Soldiers: A Historic Deal for Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom
On December 8, 2020, the governments of Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom signed a historic agreement to provide better terms and conditions for Gurkha soldiers serving in the British Army. The agreement, which is set to take effect from 2021, is aimed at addressing the long-standing grievances of Gurkhas who have been fighting for better pay, pensions, and other benefits for decades.
The Gurkhas are a group of soldiers recruited primarily from Nepal to serve in the British Army. They have a long and storied history of bravery and loyalty, dating back to the early 19th century. Over the years, they have served in a wide range of conflicts, including both World Wars, the Falklands War, and more recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Despite their contributions to the British Army, Gurkhas have been paid significantly less than their British counterparts, and their pensions have also been lower. They have also been denied access to healthcare and other benefits enjoyed by other soldiers. This has led to widespread protests and campaigns by Gurkhas and their supporters for equal treatment and fair compensation.
The new tripartite agreement seeks to address these issues by providing better salaries, pensions, and other benefits for Gurkha soldiers. Under the new agreement, Gurkhas who retired before 1997 will receive a significant increase in their pensions, while those who retired after 1997 will receive improved pension schemes. The agreement will also provide Gurkhas with access to healthcare and other benefits, bringing them in line with their British counterparts.
The agreement is a major achievement for Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom, as it reflects their commitment to working together to address the concerns of Gurkhas. For Nepal, the agreement represents an opportunity to strengthen its ties with the UK and to provide better economic opportunities for its citizens. For India, the agreement is a recognition of the significant role that Gurkhas have played in the British Army and a reflection of India`s strong historical ties with Nepal. For the UK, the agreement is a tribute to the loyalty and bravery of Gurkhas, and a reaffirmation of the country`s commitment to fair treatment and equal opportunities for all soldiers.
The tripartite agreement on Gurkha soldiers is a historic deal that represents a significant step forward in addressing the longstanding grievances of these brave soldiers. It is a testament to the commitment of Nepal, India, and the United Kingdom to work together to ensure that Gurkhas receive the equal treatment, pay, and benefits they deserve for their dedicated service to the British Army.