A contingent of 334 personnel from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army has left for Nepal to participate in Exercise Surya Kiran 2024.
The 18th edition of this joint exercise between the Indian and Nepali Forces is scheduled to take place in Nepal from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
Exercise SuryaKiran signifies strong ties of friendship, trust, and cultural linkages between the two countries.
Overview of Exercise Surya Kiran
The Exercise SuryaKiran is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian and Nepali Armies that began in 2011 to enhance interoperability and cooperation in various operational scenarios. The first Surya Kiran exercise was held in Vairengte, Mizoram, India in 2011. The exercise is conducted annually in alternating locations between India and Nepal.
The latest edition of the exercise was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India, from November 24 to December 7, 2023. 354 Indian troops from the Kumaon Regiment and 334 personnel from the Nepal Army’s Tara Dal Battalion participated in the exercise.
Exercise Surya Kiran has evolved from a basic bilateral initiative into a multifaceted military collaboration that addresses contemporary security challenges while reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Nepal.
Exercise Surya Kiran 2024
The 18th edition of Exercise SuryaKiran, which involves the Indian and Nepali Forces, is scheduled from December 31, 2024, to January 16, 2025, in Saljhandi, Nepal. 334 personnel from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and troops from the Srijung Battalion of the Nepali Army will participate in the exercise.
This exercise aims to enhance interoperability in Jungle Warfare, Counterterrorism Operations in the mountains, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the UN Charter. It is focused on enhancing operational readiness, aviation aspects, and medical training. The troops will refine their combat skills, share best practices, and enhance cooperation in challenging environments. Indian Army posted about the exercise on social media platform X.
This exercise follows the visits of both countries’ Army Chiefs to India and Nepal. India and Nepal share a longstanding, extensive defense cooperation partnership based on mutual benefits and collaborative efforts. Earlier this month, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Staff of the Nepali Army, was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army during his visit to India from December 11 to 14, 2024, reflecting the longstanding military ties between the two nations.
Exercise Surya Kiran signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, and common cultural linkages between India and Nepal. It provides a platform for professional engagement and deepens cooperation between the two countries’ forces. The exercise will also achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours.
In Summary, Exercise Surya Kiran enhances military capabilities and reinforces the strategic partnership between India and Nepal, reflecting their commitment to mutual security interests.
