365Telugu.com online news, December 28th,2024: A 334-member Indian Army contingent has departed for Nepal to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.
Scheduled to be held in Saljhandi, Nepal, the exercise will take place from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025. This annual training event alternates between India and Nepal.
The Indian contingent, led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles, will engage with Nepal’s Srijung Battalion.
The primary focus of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the two armies in areas such as:
- Jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the United Nations Charter.
- Operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environmental conservation.
The training will enable the troops to strengthen their combat skills, operational capabilities, and coordination for effectively handling challenging scenarios.
This edition of SURYA KIRAN follows recent high-level visits, including those 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.
The exercise provides an invaluable platform for soldiers from both nations to exchange ideas, share best practices, and understand each other’s operational methodologies.
SURYA KIRAN exemplifies the enduring friendship and trust shared by India and Nepal, rooted in common cultural and historical ties. The joint exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing defence cooperation, achieving shared security goals, and fostering bilateral relations.
Through this collaborative effort, India and Nepal continue to strengthen their partnership, setting the stage for more robust and professional military engagement.