India-Nepal joint military exercise begins

The 18th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise, ‘Surya Kiran’, commenced at Saljhandi, Nepal, on Tuesday. The two-week-long exercise involves an infantry battalion each from the Indian Army and the Nepali army, aiming to enhance interoperability and exchange expertise in unconventional warfare, including counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A traditional opening ceremony marked the start of the exercise, with both contingents marching in unison to Indian and Nepali military tunes.

Addressing the gathering, Maj Gen Prem Bahadur Gurung, Commander of the Mid-West Division of the Nepali Army, urged the participants to learn from each other’s extensive experiences, foster interoperability and strengthen the ties between the two nations.

The Indian Army contingent arrived at Saljhandi on December 29, where they were welcomed with a traditional military reception. Around 700 defence personnel from both armies are participating in the event.