Military Diplomacy or Political Ploy? U.S. Army Band at Nepal Army Day Sparks Debate

A performance by a U.S. Army band at Kathmandu’s Tundikhel during Nepal’s 263rd Army Day celebrations on February 15 has ignited political and social controversy ahead of parliamentary elections. The event, which coincided with Maha Shivaratri, was misrepresented in viral social media posts as a full U.S. military parade, prompting accusations of foreign interference in Nepal’s sovereignty and cultural traditions.

The ceremony featured traditional Nepali Army parades, rifle and artillery salutes, skill demonstrations, and cultural programs, with bands from friendly nations—including India, the UK, and the U.S.—performing jointly. Over two dozen U.S. soldiers participated in the musical display as part of longstanding military diplomacy and cultural exchange.

Nepali Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet clarified that such invitations are routine, citing joint exercises like “Surya Kiran” with India, “Sagarmatha Friendship” with China, and “Balance Nail” with the U.S.

CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli labeled the U.S. participation a “serious attack” on Nepal’s national sovereignty and cultural values. He questioned why a foreign army was highlighted and urged the protection of Nepali language, music, and customs.

Oli claimed the display contradicted Nepal’s foreign policy, despite the fact that similar foreign band performances occurred during his own tenure, as well as under Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Critics view Oli’s remarks as an election-time nationalist tactic intended to boost popularity.

The Nepali Army dismissed the uproar as misinformation, issuing press releases and social media clarifications to emphasize reciprocal practices; notably, Nepali bands have performed abroad in India, the U.S., and the UK.

Retired Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police Nabaraj Silwal called the event “positive cultural diplomacy,” noting that while bands from India and the UK were also present, only the U.S. was targeted—likely for “TRP” (ratings) or electoral gain.

Strategic analyst and retired Major General Binoj Basnyat framed the event geopolitically, praising Nepal’s balanced ties with major powers and warning that political rhetoric could undermine foreign policy stability.

Misleading videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube claimed the U.S. Army was “parading” and endangering Nepal, fueling debates amid election hype. Fact-checks confirmed no intervention occurred, highlighting the risks of unregulated social media in Nepal’s open society.

Experts are now urging government-led awareness campaigns regarding military diplomacy—which is integral to Nepal’s UN peacekeeping reputation—to counter misinformation and reinforce balanced international relations.