• The Indian Army contingent comprising 334 personnel will participate in 18th edition of joint military exercise Surya Kiran. 

• The exercise will be conducted in Saljhandi, Nepal from December 31, 2024 to January 13, 2025. It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in the two countries.

• The Indian Army contingent is being led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles. The Nepal Army contingent will be represented by Srijung Battalion.

• The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter terrorism operations in mountains, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under United Nations Charter.

• The exercise will focus on enhancing operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environment conservation.

• Through these activities, the troops will enhance their operational capabilities, refine their combat skills and strengthen their coordination to operate together in challenging situations.

Defence cooperation between both countries

• The exchange of such high-level visits and continuation of tradition helps in strengthening relations between the two militaries and the two countries.

• The country shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states — Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. 

• The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations that exist between India and Nepal. Nepalese citizens avail facilities and opportunities on par with Indian citizens in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.

• Nearly eight million Nepalese citizens live and work in India.

• Since 1950, India and Nepal have been awarding each other’s Army Chief with the honorary rank of General in recognition of the mutual harmonious relationship between the two armies.

• India and Nepal have wide-ranging cooperation in the defence sector. India has been assisting the Nepal Army (NA) in its modernisation by supplying equipment and providing training. 

• The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal. Currently, about 32,000 Gorkha Soldiers from Nepal are serving in the Indian Army.

Manorama Yearbook app is now available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store