India, Nepal begin ‘Surya Kiran’ military exercise in Uttarakhand

• The 19th edition of the annual bilateral exercise Surya Kiran between the Indian Army and the Nepali Army commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand on November 25. 

• It will conclude on December 8.

• The exercise aims to strengthen operational synergy in conducting jungle warfare and counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.

• It focuses on integration of niche technology to enhance interoperability while sharing best practices, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Nepal towards global peace and security, while further deepening defence cooperation, camaraderie and mutual trust between both armies.

• The previous edition of the exercise was held in Saljhandi, Nepal.

Defence cooperation between both countries

• Nepal 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.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)