Kathmandu — A delegation from the British Army’s Gurkha command, currently on an official visit to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday.
The delegation was led by Major General Gerald M. Strickland, Commandant of the Gurkha Brigade, and included David J. Robinson. The meeting took place at the Office of the President in Shital Niwas. The British Ambassador to Nepal was also present.
During the meeting, Major General Strickland formally presented the 2025 Annual Report of the Brigade of Gurkhas to President Paudel. According to the President’s Office, discussions covered the long-standing relationship between Nepal and the United Kingdom, along with issues of mutual interest and concern.
Bilateral Cooperation and Gurkha Contributions Highlighted
President Paudel said Nepal and the United Kingdom have continued to cooperate on international platforms in areas related to development, human welfare, and peace. He noted that both countries share similar views on global peacebuilding through their contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Highlighting the centuries-old ties between the two countries, President Paudel described the United Kingdom as an important development partner and expressed appreciation for its continued support to Nepal’s development.
The President said the exemplary service of the British Gurkhas has further strengthened bilateral relations. He added that the presence of the Nepali community in the United Kingdom has helped deepen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Referring to concerns raised by some former British Gurkhas, President Paudel said discussions are ongoing at the diplomatic level to address legitimate grievances, and that the matter would be best resolved through bilateral mechanisms.
Thanking the United Kingdom government for submitting the Gurkha Brigade’s 2025 annual report, the President said relevant Nepali authorities would carry out a necessary review of the document.
Speaking during the meeting, Major General Strickland said British Gurkhas have consistently served on the front lines. He said he often reminds newly recruited Gurkhas that they are sons and daughters of Nepal, adding that the British public holds deep respect and affection for Gurkha soldiers from Nepal.
