Indian Army Contingent Departs for 18th Edition of Joint Exercise SURYA KIRAN in Nepal
A contingent of 334 personnel from the Indian Army departed for Nepal today to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN. Scheduled from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025, the exercise will take place in Saljhandi, Nepal. This annual training event is conducted alternately in India and Nepal.
The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles, while the Nepal Army will be represented by the Srijung Battalion.
Exercise SURYA KIRAN aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies, focusing on jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations under the United Nations Charter. The exercise will also emphasize operational preparedness, aviation integration, medical training, and environmental conservation. These activities are designed to refine combat skills, improve operational capabilities, and strengthen coordination between the forces in challenging scenarios.
This edition follows recent visits by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Indian Army Staff, to Nepal and General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Nepali Army Staff, to India. It offers a valuable platform for soldiers from both nations to exchange ideas, share best practices, and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s operational procedures.
Exercise SURYA KIRAN underscores the enduring friendship, trust, and shared cultural heritage between India and Nepal. It highlights the commitment of both nations to enhanced defense cooperation, shared security objectives, and stronger bilateral relations between these friendly neighbors.
