The 19th iteration of the India-Nepal joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ has officially kicked off in Pithoragarh, India, starting November 25. This significant bilateral drill is scheduled to run until December 8, 2025, with a primary focus on bolstering cooperation in Counter Terrorism operations and disaster response—two vital areas of mutual strategic interest for the neighboring nations.

Participating troops from the Indian Army and the Nepali Army will undertake a comprehensive series of training activities aimed at enhancing interoperability and seamless operational coordination. A key objective of the exercise is to deepen mutual understanding of each military’s unique culture, operational doctrines, tactical drills, and established best practices.

Defense officials highlighted that ‘Surya Kiran’ serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship, trust, and shared military legacy between India and Nepal. The long-running exercise series is credited with playing a crucial role in strengthening defense ties and refining the two armies’ ability to conduct effective joint operations.