Besides Gorkhas From Nepal, Soldiers From These Countries Can Join Indian Army – News18

Last Updated:November 21, 2024, 21:00 IST

The Indian Army’s recruitment policies are shaped by both historical traditions and contemporary geopolitical factors.

Nepalese citizens, particularly the Gorkhas, have a long-standing tradition of service in the Indian Army.

The Indian Army has long relied on a diverse range of recruits, with soldiers coming from various nations, particularly from neighbouring countries. While the recruitment process is quite selective, there are some countries where citizens can join the Army, while others are outright excluded due to political and security concerns. Here’s an overview of which countries allow their youth to be recruited into the Indian Army and which ones do not.

Countries Whose Citizens Can Join the Indian Army

1. Nepal: Nepalese citizens, particularly the Gorkhas, have a long-standing tradition of service in the Indian Army, dating back to the British colonial era. The Indian Army continues to recruit Gorkhas, with four dedicated Gorkha regiments. While this tradition remains strong, there has been a recent decline in recruitment from Nepal, though Gorkhas are still an integral part of the armed forces.
2. Bhutan: Citizens of Bhutan are also eligible to join the Indian Army, under a special recruitment scheme. Bhutanese recruits can enlist directly, benefiting from a longstanding cooperation between the two countries.
3. Tibet: Tibetan refugees who have permanently settled in India are permitted to join the Army. The Indian Army even has a special regiment of Tibetan soldiers, which plays a strategic role in the Himalayan region, particularly in operations related to China. However, these recruits undergo a more thorough vetting process due to their refugee status.
4. People of Indian Origin from Other Countries: The Army also recruits people of Indian origin who have emigrated from various countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. The key requirement for these recruits is that they must have settled permanently in India.

Also Read | A 200-Year Legacy In Jeopardy: Why Nepali Gorkhas May No Longer Serve In Indian Army

Religious Diversity in the Indian Army

The Indian Army is known for its diverse makeup, with individuals from many different religious backgrounds serving. The majority of soldiers are Hindu, constituting around 70% of the force. Sikhs make up about 8%, while Muslims account for roughly 3%. Other religious groups such as Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis are also represented, though in smaller numbers.

Countries Whose Citizens Cannot Join the Indian Army

On the other hand, several countries are excluded from recruitment due to various political and security reasons:

1. Pakistan: Pakistani citizens are strictly prohibited from joining the Indian Army. This restriction stems from the historical and ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
2. Bangladesh: Like Pakistan, citizens of Bangladesh are not eligible to join the Indian Army, largely due to security concerns and the complex relationship between the two nations.
3. China: Chinese nationals are also barred from joining the Indian Army, primarily due to the ongoing border disputes and geopolitical tensions between India and China.
4. Afghanistan: While Afghan citizens are generally excluded from joining the Indian Army, individuals of Indian origin from Afghanistan may be considered for recruitment on a case-by-case basis.
5. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives: Citizens from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives are typically not eligible for direct recruitment into the Indian Army. While there are no outright bans, security and diplomatic considerations make it highly unlikely for individuals from these countries to join.
6. Europe, Africa, and the Americas: While it is not impossible for individuals from Europe, Africa, or the Americas to join the Indian Army, they must meet very specific conditions. Generally, recruitment is reserved for those who have settled permanently in India.

The Indian Army’s recruitment policies are shaped by both historical traditions and contemporary geopolitical factors. While citizens from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and certain others can enlist, those from countries with strained relations with India, such as Pakistan and China, are excluded. As the Army continues to maintain its high standards of discipline and security, its recruitment processes remain both selective and strategic in nature.