New Delhi: The Indian and Nepalese armies will ring in the new year with the latest edition of Exercise Surya Kiran, scheduled to take place in the first two weeks of January.
This battalion-level exercise will be hosted in Nepal, with the Indian contingent represented by a battalion from the Gorkha Rifles, sources in the defence and security establishment confirmed. The primary objective is to enhance operational interoperability between the two armies, focusing on United Nations-mandated peacekeeping operations.
Focus Areas and Objectives
This year’s exercise will prioritize counter-terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts. Additionally, participants will engage in drone and counter-drone operations, medical training, aviation tactics, and environmental conservation initiatives. The exercise serves as a platform to exchange best practices and refine operational coordination under challenging conditions.
The last iteration of Surya Kiran took place in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, during November and December of the previous year, where both armies honed their skills in a range of scenarios.
Strengthening Military Ties
The India-Nepal military relationship is underscored by a longstanding tradition of Nepalese Gorkhas serving in the Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles regiments. However, the introduction of the Agnipath Scheme in 2022 has raised questions about this tradition. Under the scheme, recruits, called Agniveers, serve for four years, with only 25% retained for long-term service. Nepal has opposed the scheme, barring its citizens from participating in Indian Army recruitment rallies.
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Recent Military Engagements
In November, Indian Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited Nepal, where he was conferred the honorary rank of general of the Nepalese Army by Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel. In a reciprocal gesture, Nepalese COAS General Ashok Raj Sigdel was conferred the honorary rank of general of the Indian Army by Indian President Droupadi Murmu during his visit to India.
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The upcoming Surya Kiran exercise exemplifies the enduring military partnership between India and Nepal while addressing evolving regional and global security challenges.
