India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise SURYAKIRAN-XIX Begins in Pithoragarh

The 19th edition of the India–Nepal joint military exercise, Exercise SURYAKIRAN-XIX – 2025, began on November 25, 2025, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. This edition of the annual bilateral exercise will continue until December 8, 2025, aiming to enhance operational coordination and strategic understanding between the two neighbouring countries.

Equal Representation from Both Armies

This year, both India and Nepal have deployed 334 personnel each, showcasing equal participation and commitment to regional defence cooperation,

• The Indian Army is represented primarily by troops from the ASSAM Regiment.
• The Nepal Army contingent features troops from the DEVI DATTA Regiment.
• This bilateral setup reinforces the long-standing historical and military ties between the two nations.

Training Under the UN Peacekeeping Mandate

The core objective of Exercise SURYAKIRAN-XIX is to rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which focuses on peacekeeping and use of force for conflict resolution. The key training areas include,

• Jungle Warfare and Counter-Terrorism Operations in mountainous terrain
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Medical and Emergency Response
• Environmental Conservation in Military Operations
• Integrated Ground and Aviation Operations

The joint drills help improve interoperability and tactical coordination, especially for scenarios involving complex emergencies and peacekeeping operations.

Focus on Advanced Warfare and Emerging Tech

What sets this edition apart is its emphasis on emerging defence technologies. The exercise incorporates,

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance
• Drone-based ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
• AI-enabled decision support tools
• Unmanned logistic platforms
• Armoured protection systems

These additions aim to align tactics and techniques with modern global counter-terrorism strategies, while refining operations to suit mountainous and high-altitude environments.

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties

Exercise SURYAKIRAN is more than just a military drill—it reflects the deep-rooted strategic and cultural partnership between India and Nepal. The exchange of combat experience, best practices, and joint mission planning has contributed to,

• Enhanced mutual trust
• Stronger diplomatic relations
• Greater regional security collaboration

Such exercises help both nations prepare for joint operations under international mandates and build capacity for future global peacekeeping initiatives.

Static Facts

• Exercise Name: SURYAKIRAN-XIX – 2025
• Edition: 19th
• Start Date: November 25, 2025
• End Date: December 8, 2025
• Location: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
• Indian Contingent: 334 personnel (ASSAM Regiment)
• Nepal Contingent: 334 personnel (DEVI DATTA Regiment)