Nepal Army’s Plan to Procure APCs from US-Blacklisted Chinese Supplier Raises Concerns | Kathmandu Tribune

Amid preparations for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s upcoming go to to India, studies have surfaced indicating that the Nepal Military intends to accumulate 26 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) value Rs6 billion from China’s Norinco, an organization blacklisted by the US. The APCs could be utilized by Nepali peacekeepers deployed on varied UN peacekeeping missions. This growth has raised considerations over the potential ramifications of procuring from a sanctioned provider.

Controversial Deal: The Nepal Military had deliberate to buy the APCs from Norinco by means of the Nepal Military Welfare Fund, with the choice made throughout Sher Bahadur Deuba’s tenure as Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Nonetheless, the revelation that Norinco is on the US sanction record has left the military and native banks in a dilemma. The implications of procuring from a blacklisted Chinese language firm stay unclear.

Combined Reactions and Uncertainty: Whereas the Nepal Military stays decided to proceed with the acquisition, Chief of Military Employees Normal Prabhu Ram Sharma not too long ago said that the military doesn’t presently require weapons. Nonetheless, he talked about the potential want for automobile elements. The problem has raised considerations concerning the timing and financial viability of the deal, in addition to the doable worldwide repercussions if the APCs are obtained from a blacklisted firm.

Authorities Intervention and Future Outlook: Prime Minister Dahal has suggested the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Purna Bahadur Khadka, and Normal Sharma towards the acquisition, citing potential adverse penalties throughout his India go to and the federal government’s financial challenges. Furthermore, if the matter reaches Parliament, it might result in controversy and in the end compel the federal government to cancel the deal.

Professional Opinions: Former Nepal Military Chief Gaurav Sumsher Rana harassed the significance of adhering to aggressive bidding processes and authorities procurement guidelines. He emphasised the necessity for cautious consideration and correct procedures when procuring weapons, highlighting that the military can not spend vital sums of cash directly.

Issues Over Sanctions and Reimbursement: There are considerations that the US, a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, might create obstacles if the Nepal Military procures APCs from a blacklisted Chinese language firm. Given Norinco’s involvement with Myanmar’s authorities, which can be beneath world sanctions, worldwide repercussions and restrictions on the deployment of the APCs can’t be dominated out.

Present Standing and Means Ahead: The procurement course of for the APCs has been quickly halted as a result of discovery of Norinco’s blacklisting. Nonetheless, officers counsel that the method might resume, presumably throughout Normal Sharma’s go to to China in June or July. The Nepal Military has beforehand discovered alternative routes to avoid sanctions, however the long-term implications and potential penalties of such actions stay unsure.

Conclusion: The Nepal Military’s plans to obtain APCs from a US-blacklisted Chinese language provider have created a contentious state of affairs. The considerations over potential repercussions, worldwide sanctions, and the necessity for clear procurement processes spotlight the complexity of buying navy tools. As the problem unfolds, it stays to be seen whether or not the Nepal Military will proceed with the deal or discover different choices.