Military diplomacy: Nepal-India joint exercise from Tuesday

Kathmandu: The 18th edition of the Nepal-India military exercise with the aim of security and expansion of bilateral relations is beginning at Saljhandi in Rupandehi on Tuesday.

The battalion-level joint military exercise named ‘Suryakiran’ focuses on jungle warfare, counterterrorism in difficult geography, establishment of peacekeeping mission as per the UN Charter, humanitarian aid in disaster management and relief mobilization, internal capacity building, and environmental protection.

The two-week-long training will be attended by the Sri Jung Battalion of the Nepali Army and the 11th Gorkha Rifle of the Indian Army.

The spokesperson of the Nepali Army, Gaurab Kumar KC, informed that the joint military training was expected to foster friendly relations and trust between Nepal and India and expand cultural relations as well. Professional collaboration will also be augmented with it.

The 17th edition of the joint exercise was held in Pithauragadh of India last year.

So far, the number of Nepali Army persons attending the joint training reached 4,215 while the number from Indian side stands at 4,442.

Such joint exercise had begun since 2067BS.