In recent news, a significant development in military collaborations has taken the spotlight. The armies of India and Nepal have commenced the 15th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran.’ The exercise is taking place at Pithoragarh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Understand the ‘Surya Kiran’
This biannual exercise is a critical component of the military diplomacy between India and Nepal and alternates between the two nations. The core objective is to bolster military relations in challenging mountainous terrains where soldiers from both nations collaborate closely.
The Purpose of ‘Surya Kiran’
The Surya Kiran joint military exercise is a multi-faceted undertaking. Its primary aim centers around establishing robust military relationships amidst inaccessible mountainous areas. Soldiers from both countries are given a platform to interact, collaborate, and strengthen ties, promoting mutual understanding and trust.
Providing Humanitarian Assistance
An essential aspect of this exercise extends beyond just military operations. It also focuses on providing humanitarian assistance under disaster management. Through this joint exercise, both militaries come together to coordinate and streamline their efforts in managing and mitigating the impact of natural disasters, fostering an environment of cooperative assistance.
Training in Anti-Terrorist Operations
In the face of rising global terrorism threats, another critical objective of the Surya Kiran joint military exercise is to impart training in anti-terrorist operations. This aspect aims to equip the military personnel of both nations with the requisite knowledge and skills to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.
Building Interoperability and Sharing Expertise
The exercise aims to build interoperability between the two armies, facilitating a seamless collaboration during joint operations. It also encourages sharing expertise and best practices, enhancing the operational readiness of both militaries. Through this mutual exchange, both nations can leverage their unique and shared experiences to address common security challenges.
Recalling the Previous Edition
The 14th edition of the Surya Kiran joint military exercise held in 2019 was a testament to the deep military ties between India and Nepal. The exercise took place in Saljhandi, Nepal, demonstrating the mutual commitment towards regional peace and stability. This exercise underlined the growing strategic and tactical alignment between the two nations in the field of defense and military partnerships.
In sum, the 15th Edition of the ‘Surya Kiran’ stands as a testimony of the strong bond and respect between the Indian and Nepalese armies. As the joint military exercise continues, its success will not only strengthen bilateral defense ties but also foster mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation for regional peace and stability.
