The trial began on Saturday, with the Nepal Oil Corporation’s (NOC) Madhesh Provincial Office Chief, Pralayankar Acharya, confirming that 5,500 kiloliters of petrol and 1,000 kiloliters of kerosene were imported through the pipeline for testing purposes.

Acharya further stated that while the regular import of these products was originally scheduled to begin in January 2025, there may be slight delays as final preparations are still underway. The pipeline’s expansion project, carried out by the Indian Oil Corporation, has upgraded the infrastructure at the Amlekhgunj depot, which includes the construction of large storage tanks, automatic loading systems, a pump house, and a laboratory. Enhanced safety features like a new firefighting system and oil-water separation mechanisms have also been added to improve operational efficiency.

Although the project was originally expected to be completed in 2023, delays pushed its finalization to December 2024. The pipeline, launched in 2019 for diesel imports, now also facilitates the transportation of petrol and kerosene.

Before the pipeline’s expansion, the Amlekhgunj depot had limited storage capacity, requiring the use of tankers for importing petrol and kerosene. The upgraded facilities are expected to streamline the import process and improve supply chain efficiency. According to Acharya, the upgraded depot will have a total storage capacity of 24,840 kiloliters for diesel and 16,630 kiloliters for petrol, which will ensure a more stable supply of petroleum products in Nepal.

The expanded pipeline offers several benefits, including the elimination of technical losses during transportation, reduced costs compared to tanker imports, and a reduction in environmental pollution caused by vehicular emissions. Once fully operational, the pipeline is expected to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable supply of petroleum products in Nepal.

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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.

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