Context: The border dispute with Nepal turns the spotlight on the Gurkha regiments, which have been a pillar of India’s national security for decades. Ties between British-India and Nepali Gurkhas, who originate from the mountainous region of Gurkha can be traced to the Treaty of Sugauli, signed at the end of the Anglo-Nepalese war in 1816.

History
Under the British rule:

• The Gurkhas played a significant role in the consolidation of the British Empire in India. Gurkhas had engaged in combat during the Gurkha-Sikh War, Anglo-Sikh wars, the Afghan wars and the First World War.
• Gurkhas have fought in the Falklands war and served the British in Hong Kong, Cyprus, Sierra Leone and East Timor.

After Independence:

• After India gained Independence, six Gurkha regiments were transferred from the British to the Indian Army as part of a tripartite agreement between Nepal, India and Britain. A seventh regiment was raised after Independence.

Battle for Siachen:

• The Bilafond La is one of the “gates” leading to the Siachen glacier.
• Bilafond La is a mountain pass directly north of map point NJ 980420, which defined the end of the 1972 Line of Control between Pakistan and India, as part of the Simla Agreement.