The Challenge of the Nepali Army and the Nation: Neutrality or Western Pressure?

#Prem Sagar Poudel

Nepal is going through a dangerous situation of complex political instability, foreign influence, and internal disintegration. At such a sensitive juncture, the main responsibility for protecting the existence, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation has fallen on the shoulders of the Nepali Army. History has portrayed the Nepali Army as not just a military force, but also as the protector of the soul and existence of the nation. However, recent activities and behavior are raising serious questions about the neutrality and nationalist role of the Nepali Army.

The history of the Nepali Army is a proud one. Whether it is the 1814-1816 war with the British or the 200-year saga of Gorkha bravery, the Nepali Army has always stood by the nation against foreign intervention. From King Mahendra to King Birendra, it is found that the military has played a balanced diplomatic role in defending national independence and a non-aligned foreign policy.

However, the changes in the role of the Nepali Army since the establishment of the republic, especially in the last decade, have created a worrying situation. The growing interest of foreign powers, especially the US and the European Union, in Nepal, their diplomatic activities in Nepal, and their attempts to dominate Nepali society through ‘soft power’ are notable.

The open access, respect, and collaboration of pro-Westerners at the current Nepali Army headquarters have surprised many. This type of behavior raises suspicions that it is not just a matter of ‘soft diplomacy’ but part of a long-term plan to use the military for political or foreign agendas in the future.

Foreign nations have been expanding their influence in Nepal through various think tanks, organizations operating in the name of human rights, and the media for their strategic interests. Many of them are trained in a ‘pro-western’ ideology, which seeks to portray nationalism as an ‘obstacle to progress’. The cooperation of the military seems essential to spreading such an ideology, and perhaps this is why their access to headquarters has been increased.

The trend of ignoring patriotic intellectuals, researchers, and strategic thinkers is also beginning to be seen within the Nepali Army. Not respecting nationalist thinkers other than Indo-Western, or not giving their views a place in institutional discourse, is a serious defect. The military’s linking of nationalism to Indo-Western and political factions can be dangerous for the nation itself.

Nepal’s geopolitical location is such that strategic competition between India, China, and the West is at its peak. Nepal’s non-aligned foreign policy and independent geopolitical vision should remain under the guidance of the military. Plans like the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, MCC, and SPP are incompatible with Nepali sovereignty. Whether it is China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” or India’s “Neighborhood First”, Nepal must maintain a balanced approach to all of these.

The most decisive institution in maintaining this balance is the Nepali Army. But if the army itself falls under the influence of any party, the country’s deep strategic independence risks being ended.

The Nepali Army is not just an institution that carries guns; it is the backbone of the Nepalese nation. If this backbone decays, Nepal will become nothing more than a laboratory for external forces. The responsibility of the army today is not limited to physical security; it is a war of ideology. The first responsibility of today’s army chiefs should be to build a mindset that can stand up for Nepali independence, culture, and originality against foreign influence.

Today, the Nepali people are extremely disappointed with political parties, leaders, and institutions. But they still have faith in the army. To maintain this trust, the Nepali Army should embrace nationalist thinking, not suppress it in the name of ‘neutrality’. If we compromise with foreign pressure and convenience, the glorious history of the army will be limited to the pages of books.

At this time, the Nepali Army should give a clear message:
“We are not on any side, we are on the side of the nation of Nepal.”
This message can become the main mantra to protect the country for the future.

(The author is a senior journalist, political analyst, President of the Nepal-China Mutual Cooperation Society, and an expert on international affairs.)