Indian Army Team Departures for Collaborative Drills in Nepal
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New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) To boost cooperation in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism activities in mountainous regions, an Indian Army team consisting of 334 members set out for Nepal on Saturday to engage in the 18th edition of the battalion-level Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran.
The drills will take place in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024 to January 13, 2025.
This annual training event alternates between both nations.
The Indian Army team is led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles.
On the Nepalese side, the Srijung Battalion will represent the Nepal Army. The primary goal of Exercise Surya Kiran is to enhance joint operations in mountainous terrains, as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under the guidelines of the United Nations.
The focus of the exercise will be on enhancing operational readiness, aviation components, medical training, and ecological conservation.
Through these initiatives, troops will improve their operational skills, hone their combat techniques, and strengthen their ability to coordinate effectively in challenging environments.
This iteration of Exercise Surya Kiran follows successful visits by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of India, to Nepal, and General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, to India.
The exercise will serve as a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to share knowledge and experiences; exchange best practices, and cultivate a deeper understanding of each other’s military operational procedures.
Exercise Surya Kiran embodies the strong ties of friendship, trust, and shared cultural connections between India and Nepal.
It paves the way for fruitful and professional engagement, reflecting the steadfast commitment of both nations towards broader defense cooperation.
The exercise will also contribute to achieving mutual security goals and enhancing bilateral ties between the two friendly nations.
Earlier this month, a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, termed SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka - India Exercise 2024), took place from December 17-20 at Visakhapatnam, under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command in two distinct phases.
The harbor phase was conducted from December 17-18, followed by the sea phase from December 19-20.
INS Sumitra of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team, represented India, while SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with a Special Forces team, represented the Sri Lanka Navy.
