A contingent of 334 personnel from the Indian Army departed today for Nepal to take part in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise, SURYA KIRAN. The exercise, scheduled to take place in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025, is an annual training event alternately hosted by 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.
The primary objective of Exercise SURYA KIRAN is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in line with the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on improving operational preparedness, aviation operations, medical training, and environmental conservation. These activities will help participants refine their combat skills, enhance operational capabilities, and strengthen coordination for joint operations in challenging environments.
This edition of 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 Nepali Army, to India. The exercise will offer a 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 highlights the strong bonds of friendship, trust, and shared cultural ties between India and Nepal. It will serve as a foundation for productive and professional cooperation, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of both nations toward enhancing defense collaboration, achieving common security objectives, and strengthening bilateral relations between these two close neighbors.
