A fresh round of tripartite talks between the governments of Nepal and Britain, and Gurkha veterans was held in London on Monday.

The meeting was inconclusive but the British side assured that they will come up with some kind of proposal in the next 15 days, according to the Gurkha veterans.

“We had an intense discussion. We reminded them of the 11-point agreement but they did not offer any outline [of plan],” Krishna Bahadur Rai, one of the Gorkha veterans, told the Post over the phone from London.

In the meeting, Louise Sandher–Jones MP, the minister for veterans and people, was also present briefly where she told the Nepali side that the British government is working on the demands raised by the Gurkha veterans. The British side reiterated that they cannot offer the same pensions to the Gurkha veterans but will provide additional facilities under the welfare scheme, according to Rai.

“After Sandher–Jones, officials and advisers of the British defence ministry held talks with acting ambassador Bipin Dawadi and Gurkha veterans where they asserted the same old position. Then we also raised our voice very strongly and reminded them about the 11-point demand earlier forwarded to the British prime minister. The British officials then assured us that they will come up with some proposals within two weeks,” said Rai.

On January 16, Krishna Bahadur Rai, chief coordinator of the British Gurkha Satyagraha United Struggle Committee, wrote to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asking him to fulfil their demands by March-end and submitted an 11-point demand. The British veterans demanded equal pension to the British Army and implementation of the 1947 tripartite agreement among others and served an ultimatum.

“From the British side, they have suggested that we hold discussions and meet again in two weeks. We have warned that if there is any delay or reluctance, there will be no option but to protest,” Rai said.

The talks concluded with an agreement to hold further discussions after the UK government did not present a clear position on the 11-point agreement proposal previously submitted to resolve the Gurkhas' issue.

Ahead of Monday’s talks, 19 British members of Parliament had written a joint letter to the British government and urged it to address the demands of Gorkha veterans.

In the letter addressed to the British veteran minister Sandher-Jones, they said: “As parliamentarians who recognise the service and sacrifice of the Gurkhas, we would like to thank you for the significant effort you have put into engaging with the government of Nepal, the G10 (seven organisations who are struggling for Gurkha veterans and three talks members), and Gurkha veterans since your appointment as minister.”

“Your leadership and dedication in supporting the Gurkha community have been greatly appreciated. The United Kingdom and Nepal share a rich history of mutual respect and co-operation, with a strong foundation in shared values and a commitment to working together on issues of global significance.

“This bond is most clearly demonstrated through the service of the Gurkha community, whose contribution to the defence and security of the United Kingdom is not only enduring but is becoming increasingly vital and important,” reads the letter.

Beyond our Armed Forces, the Nepalese community across the UK makes valuable contributions in sectors such as health, education, hospitality, and retail, with many playing key roles as public servants and community leaders, “enriching our society in countless ways”, the MPs said in the joint letter seen by the Post.

As Nepal moves forward with the inauguration of the new government, this presents a unique opportunity to reaffirm the enduring relationship between the two nations, the MPs noted.

“We strongly encourage you to seize this moment to engage with the new prime minister of Nepal and their team and work collaboratively to address the longstanding issues that Gurkha veterans have faced, particularly ensuring the full recognition of their service and improving their welfare.

“This is also an exciting opportunity to build a new chapter in the UK-Nepal relationship, strengthening our collaboration, not only in terms of defence and veteran welfare but also by exploring ways to develop our trading relationship and support Nepal’s ongoing growth and prosperity,” the letter read.

By fostering closer ties, “we can support one another in facing shared global challenges and advancing our mutual interests,” the MPs wrote.

The UK and Nepal can build an even stronger partnership, one that honours the legacy of the Gurkhas and supports their ongoing contributions to British society, the letter suggests.

The joint letter was undersigned by Alex Baker, Member of Parliament for Aldershot and Farnborough. The co-signers are Calvin Bailey MP, Leyton and Wanstead; Daniel Francis MP, Bexleyheath and Crayford; Danny Beales MP, Uxbridge and South Ruislip; Gareth Thomas MP, Harrow West; James Asser MP, West Ham and Beckton; Jen Craft MP, Thurrock; Jim Dickson MP, Dartford; Jodie Gosling MP, Nuneaton; Lauren Edwards MP, Rochester and Strood; Luke Murphy MP, Basingstoke; Peter Swallow MP, Bracknell; Ruth Cadbury MP, Brentford and Isleworth, chair of Transport Select Committee; Dame Siobhain McDonagh MP, Mitcham and Morden; Sojan Joseph MP, Ashford; Tan Dhesi MP, Slough, chair of Defence Select Committee; Tony Vaughan MP, Folkestone and Hythe; Will Stone MP, Swindon North; and Yuan Yang MP, Earley and Woodley.