Not with complaints. Not with demands for pension. But with open arms. And Delhi missed it. While NDTV hosted glossy talks in Kathmandu and Shashi Tharoor debated German words, Nepali veterans were marching with the Indian Tricolour, singing our anthem, begging to join the Indian Army; even on Agniveer’s strict terms. Why? Because jobs are gone. Floods wiped out homes. Climate disasters shattered communities. And for them, the Indian Army is still hope. General Dhiraj Seth visited Nepal; the first Army Chief to do so; and was met with emotional crowds. Videos of veterans shouting ‘We’re ready to join!’ went viral. But he didn’t raise Agniveer. Not because he couldn’t. But because diplomacy boxed him in. The Foreign Office didn’t want generals talking strategy. Or maybe; because Agniveer is Modi’s baby. Politics over practicality. This isn’t just about recruitment. It’s about a historic bond; Gorkhas serving India for 300 years; now caught in bureaucracy and ego. Nepal’s government won’t bend. India won’t budge on terms. Meanwhile, thousands of young Nepalis still dream of becoming soldiers. Just like their fathers and grandfathers. The moment was there. The emotion was real. The need is urgent. But the conversation? Still missing.