The Indian Army contingent, comprising over 300 personnel, departed for Nepal today to participate in the joint military exercise Surya Kiran. This exercise is scheduled to take place at Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 29, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
Objectives of Exercise Surya Kiran
The primary objectives of the exercise include:
- Sharing Best Practices: Soldiers from India and Nepal will exchange knowledge and strategies.
- Enhancing Interoperability: The exercise aims to improve the coordination and operational effectiveness of both armies.
- Strengthening Bonds: The exercise fosters a stronger relationship between the two nations, focusing on joint operations.
Key Features of the Exercise
- Jungle Warfare: Soldiers will practice techniques for combat in jungle environments.
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: The exercise will focus on counter-terrorism strategies in mountainous terrains.
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief: Both armies will train for disaster relief operations under the United Nations Charter.
The exercise highlights the strong friendship, trust, and cultural ties between India and Nepal, offering a platform for productive engagement between the two armies.
Statement from the Indian Army
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) shared details of the exercise:
“#Indian Army contingent comprising over 300 personnel departed today for the joint military Exercise #SuryaKiran, between #India and #Nepal. The exercise will be held at Saljhandi, #Nepal from 29 December 2024 to 13 January 2025. The exercise will provide a platform for soldiers from both nations to share best practices, enhance interoperability, and foster a stronger bond in the conduct of joint operations.”
Visit of Nepali Army Chief to India
Earlier in December, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, visited India from December 11 to 14. The visit was aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation between the two nations.
Key Outcomes of the Visit:
- Discussions with Indian Army Chief: General Sigdel held talks with General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief, focusing on strengthening the relationship between the two armies.
- Honorary Generalship: General Sigdel was conferred with the Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army.
- Reviewing Officer for Passing Out Parade: General Sigdel served as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The visit also resulted in several key agreements:
- Enhancement of Operational and Technological Capabilities: Both nations agreed to improve the Nepali Army’s operational and technological capabilities, including joint exercises.
- Transfer of Equipment: The Indian Army announced the transfer of a target practice drone and medical equipment for Field Hospitals to the Nepali Army.
- Visits to Indian Defence Industries: General Sigdel visited prominent Indian defence industries, including Tata Aerospace & Defence Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge in Pune.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where is the joint military exercise Surya Kiran being held?
- a) Kathmandu
- b) Saljhandi, Nepal
- c) New Delhi
- d) Pune, India
Answer: b) Saljhandi, Nepal
- What is the primary aim of Exercise Surya Kiran?
- a) To increase trade between India and Nepal
- b) To enhance interoperability and conduct joint operations
- c) To promote tourism
- d) To strengthen cultural ties only
Answer: b) To enhance interoperability and conduct joint operations
- What type of operations will the soldiers train for during Exercise Surya Kiran?
- a) Urban warfare
- b) Jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountains
- c) Sea warfare
- d) Space operations
Answer: b) Jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountains
- What significant event took place during General Ashok Raj Sigdel’s visit to India?
- a) He was appointed as the Chief of the Indian Army
- b) He was conferred with the Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army
- c) He signed a trade agreement with India
- d) He visited the Taj Mahal
Answer: b) He was conferred with the Honorary Generalship of the Indian Army
- Which Indian defence industries did General Sigdel visit?
- a) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- b) Tata Aerospace & Defence Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge
- c) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- d) Larsen & Toubro
Answer: b) Tata Aerospace & Defence Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge