18th Edition of India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise 'Surya Kiran' Kicks Off in Nepal.
International
The 18th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' between India and Nepal began in Saljhandi, Nepal, scheduled from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
- The exercise aims to strengthen India-Nepal defence ties and enhance the professional skills of personnel from the Indian Army (IA) and the Nepali Army (NA).
- The 17th edition of 'Surya Kiran' was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India, from November 24 to December 7, 2023.
- The annual bilateral military exercise is hosted alternately by the Indian Army (IA) and the Nepali Army (NA), focusing on joint operations, particularly in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous areas, while also emphasizing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in alignment with the United Nations Charter (UNC).
Main Point :- (i) The exercise follows successful visits by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army to Nepal, and General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS of the Nepali Army to India.
(ii) The Indian Army (IA) contingent in the 18th edition of 'Surya Kiran' is led by a Battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles, with 334 personnel representing India. The 11th Gorkha Rifles is historically significant as the first regiment raised post-independence in 1947.
(iii) India and Nepal share a deep defence relationship, highlighted by mutual conferment of Honorary General ranks. General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS of IA, was awarded the Honorary General rank of the Nepali Army (NA) by Nepal's President, and General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS of NA, was conferred the Honorary General rank of IA by the President of India.
About Nepal
PM : KP Sharma Oli
Capital: Kathmandu
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