Plight of Nepalis in Russian army

October 4, 2024

KATHMANDU – The history of Nepalis serving in foreign armies dates back more than 200 years, primarily focused on recruitment into the British and Indian militaries. However, the participation of Nepalis in the Russian army is a recent phenomenon. It emerged in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022. By May 2023, reports surfaced that Nepalis were being recruited to fight for Russia despite the absence of any formal agreements between the two countries. This recruitment has exposed several Nepalis to grave risks and resulted in tragic loss of lives.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that 600 to 1,000 Nepalis have joined the Russian military. Many of these individuals arrived in Russia on student or tourist visas, facilitated by human traffickers who promised lucrative jobs in the Russian armed forces. These traffickers reportedly charge between $1,500 to $2,500 per person in the name of providing such opportunities.

Nepal’s law prohibits its citizens from joining foreign militaries, except in cases involving long-standing treaties with India and the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, the allure of a stable income in a foreign land has driven many in Nepal, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to walk on this dangerous path. While the Government of Nepal has arrested some of those involved in trafficking, the efforts to control this illicit activity remain inadequate.

The plight of Nepali soldiers in the Russian army is a stark reminder of the dangers of being drawn into a foreign conflict. Media reports indicate that around 40 Nepalis have died in the conflict with Ukraine, with many others missing or captured as prisoners of war. A significant factor contributing to these