Nepal's Army in spotlight as new government takes assertive turn

📌 Summary:

• Nepal's new government has taken an assertive stance on military affairs, placing the Nepal Army in greater political prominence and subjecting it to increased parliamentary scrutiny

• The civilian government is demanding greater control over army budget, overseas deployments to UN peacekeeping missions, and procurement decisions — shifting from previous deference to the military establishment

• The Prime Minister has raised questions about senior army appointments and demanded accountability for domestic construction projects (hydropower, roads) undertaken by the army

• Nepal's army has historically enjoyed considerable autonomy; the new government's assertiveness marks a significant shift in civil-military relations

• India-Nepal context: Nepal's assertiveness comes alongside tension over the Lipulekh border (Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route) and the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura mapping dispute — adding diplomatic complexity

• Nepal's strategic position between India and China makes its military posture significant for regional security dynamics

• India's traditional security cooperation with Nepal — including the Special Relationship under the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship — could be complicated by Nepal's domestic assertiveness and its opening toward China on military matters