Time to strengthen national army
In a precarious geopolitical scenario marked, among others, by the Ukraine war and increasing Sino-Indian hostilities, countries have become more serious than ever before about their existence as their ballooning defense spending shows. Paradoxically, some of our leaders and opinion-makers are calling for downsizing of the national army.
They should not forget about the establishment of 17 Indian Army check posts on Nepal’s northern frontier right after a drastic reduction in Nepali Army’s strength about 70 years ago and the proxy war like the Khampa rebellion. The argument that defense cuts will spur economic growth is misleading.
Bangladesh’s budget is five times higher than Nepal’s, but their GDP is double. Despite a huge army, Sri Lanka’s per capita GDP is $3,800. Our capital spending is 40 percent; it must be increased for growth. This isn’t the time to downsize the NA, but to strengthen it, given the external security scenario.
The author is a Major General (Retd) of Nepal Army
