Indian Army activated its first unit of Indian Gurkhas 40804161

Defence & Security News - (India)
 
Indian Army activated its first unit of Indian Gurkhas
The Indian Army has set up its first battalion comprised exclusively of Indian Gurkhas. The new unit was activated at the 14 Gurkha Training Centre at Sabathu, at the Himalayas region, more than 300 north of New Delhi.
     
Indian Army activated its first unit of Indian Gurkhas
Indian Army Gurkhas from the 5th Gurkha Rifles during training with US Soldiers (Photo: US Army)
     

The unit named “Kanchi Paltan” is the 6th Battalion of The First Gurkha Rifles (6/1GR). The Indian Army has other Gurkha Regiments in its force structure, namely the 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11 GR. However, these are comprised of both Nepalese and Indian Gurkhas at a ratio of 70:30 or 60:40.

The Kanchi Paltan battalion became operational and was handed its flag at a ceremony, following nine months of training. The Indian Army is planning to increase the force of each Gurkha Regiment by one battalion that will be manned by Indian Gurkhas recruited from the north and north-eastern areas of the country.