Indian Army Departs for Nepal to Participate in Exercise Surya Kiran
New Delhi [India], December 28: A contingent of over 300 Indian Army personnel has departed for Nepal to take part in the India-Nepal joint military exercise, Surya Kiran, scheduled to take place in Saljhandi from December 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
This collaborative exercise aims to strengthen the bond between the two nations while providing an opportunity for soldiers to share best practices, enhance interoperability, and foster unity in joint operations. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) shared details on the social media platform X, stating, “The 18th edition of Exercise #SuryaKiran, a joint military exercise between #India and #Nepal, is scheduled to be held at Saljhandi, Nepal from 29 December 2024 to 13 January 2025.“
The primary focus of the exercise includes jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) as outlined under the United Nations Charter. The ADGPI further emphasized the cultural and strategic ties between the two nations, highlighting how Exercise Surya Kiran fosters friendship and mutual trust while offering a productive platform for both armies to engage effectively.
This annual event is a testament to the strong relationship between India and Nepal, showcasing the unwavering commitment of both nations towards enhanced defence cooperation.
High-Level Military Engagements
Earlier this month, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, visited India from December 11 to 14. During his visit, several productive discussions were held with his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.
The visit facilitated key engagements between senior leaders from both nations, further strengthening the foundation for enhanced military collaboration. Discussions yielded agreements to boost operational and technological capabilities in the Nepali Army, including expanding the scope of joint exercises.
As part of the defence cooperation, General Dwivedi announced the transfer of a target practice drone and medical equipment for field hospitals to the Nepali Army. General Sigdel also toured Indian defence industries such as Tata Aerospace & Defence Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge in Pune.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
One of the highlights of General Sigdel’s visit was his participation as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Additionally, he was conferred with the Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army—a reflection of the longstanding friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.
The visit and subsequent agreements underscore the shared commitment to broader defence cooperation and strategic alignment between India and Nepal, paving the way for deeper collaboration in military and defence-related areas.
Exercise Surya Kiran is a continuation of these efforts, offering a robust platform for both armies to enhance their joint operational effectiveness while deepening the historical ties of trust and friendship.
