India-Nepal "Surya Kiran" Military Exercise Begins
The 18th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise “Surya Kiran” has commenced at Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025. This annual exercise aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter.
Exercise Location and Duration: Held at Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
Participating Forces: Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment and Nepalese Army’s Tara Dal Battalion.
Focus Areas: Jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Previous Editions: The 17th edition was conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, from November 24 to December 7, 2023, involving 334 personnel from the Nepali Army and a battalion from the Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment.
Bilateral Relations: The exercise underscores the longstanding military cooperation between India and Nepal, reflecting shared security concerns and mutual commitment to regional stability.
Enhanced Interoperability: The exercise fosters better coordination between the two armies, essential for joint operations and disaster response.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Regular military engagements like “Surya Kiran” reinforce the defense relationship and mutual trust between India and Nepal.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “Surya Kiran” Begins | 18th edition of “Surya Kiran” exercise between India and Nepal; held in Saljhandi, Nepal from Dec 29, 2024 to Jan 13, 2025. |
| Focus Areas | Counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, disaster relief, and enhancing interoperability between the Indian and Nepalese armies. |
| Objective | To improve coordination in joint operations, humanitarian aid, and regional peace efforts. |
| Participating Forces | Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment, Nepalese Army’s Tara Dal Battalion. |
| Past Editions | Last year’s exercise (17th edition) was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. |
| Bilateral Relations | Reflects growing defense cooperation between India and Nepal, underscoring shared security concerns. |
In Andhra Pradesh, India has initiated its first pilot project for building houses for rural…
India's Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, has commissioned the first of its kind indigenous Fleet…
Lionel Messi retired from the international football on October 6, 2026, as Argentina beat the…
Nobel prizes in 2026 will be declared during the first half of October, and there…
Lionel Messi retires from international football after a illustrious career that saw him play for…
India is among the United States and 13 other countries that have signed a joint…