India and Nepal Military Exercise: India and Nepal are set to begin the 18th edition of their joint military exercise, Surya Kiran, at Saljhandi in Nepal from December 29, 2024. The exercise will conclude on January 13, 2025, reinforcing the strong bonds of friendship, trust, and cultural ties between the two nations.
Objectives of Surya Kiran 2024
The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) under the United Nations Charter. Highlighting the collaborative spirit, the Indian Army stated, “Together we train, together we excel.”
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According to ThePrint, Surya Kiran provides a platform for meaningful engagement between the Indian and Nepali Armies, showcasing their commitment to broader defence cooperation. Soldiers from both sides will exchange ideas, share best practices, and gain deeper insights into each other’s operational procedures.
Exercise Surya Kiran is an annual event conducted alternately in India and Nepal. The 2023 edition was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, where a battalion from the KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army trained alongside the Tara Dal Battalion of the Nepali Army.
The two countries also share long-standing military ties, exemplified by the tradition of conferring honorary military ranks on each other’s Army Chiefs since 1950. In November 2024, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel. Similarly, on December 12, 2024, Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel received the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army from Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
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Despite these engagements, relations between the two nations have faced challenges. Since 2020, the implementation of India’s Agnipath scheme has led Nepal to halt the recruitment of Gorkhas into the Indian Army. As a result, no Nepali Gorkhas have been recruited since 2019, leading to a decline in their active service numbers.
The Gorkha Regiment, known globally for its heroism and bravery, remains a symbol of courage and has earned legendary status in military history. The absence of new Nepali recruits marks a significant shift in this historic tradition.
The 18th edition of Surya Kiran underscores the unwavering commitment of India and Nepal to strengthen their defence partnership despite recent strains. By training together, both nations aim to excel and foster a deeper understanding, ensuring preparedness for diverse challenges in the region.
