Surya Kiran 17: Nepali and Indian Armies Conclude Joint Exercise

The 17th edition of ‘Exercise Surya Kiran’ between the Nepali Army and the Indian Army, focused on counterinsurgency, counter-terrorism, interoperability, and disaster management, has concluded. Following their participation in the military exercise, the Nepali army team has returned home.

From November 24 to December 7, the Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran was conducted in Pithoragarh, India.

As part of the exercise, practical knowledge of jungle warfare, including humanitarian aid deployment and disaster management in extreme situations, mountainous and challenging terrains, preparedness to be adopted by UN peacekeeping forces, medical training, various aspects of air service and aviation, environmental protection, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism were covered.

Under the leadership of Lt. Colonel Subas KC, the head of the Nepali Army’s Tara Dal Battalion, 354 members of the Nepali force, and 354 members of the Kumaon Battalion of the Indian Army led by Colonel Krishna Thapa participated.

Exercise Surya Kiran focuses on counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, interoperability, and disaster management.

The 17th edition of this exercise, which alternates between Nepal and India, was conducted in India. Brigadier General Sanukaji Thapa was assigned to the observation representative team on behalf of the Nepali Army for inspecting the exercise.

The Nepali Army believes that bilateral military exercises will contribute to strengthening the century-old friendly relations between Nepal and India, addressing the cooperation, partnership, and common security interests of the armies of both countries.