India and Nepal will conduct the 19th edition of the annual bilateral military Exercise Suryakiran from November 25 to December 8, 2025, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
- Focus on mountain warfare & counter-terrorism: The drill aims to enhance operational synergy between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
- Tech integration for interoperability: The exercise will involve niche technologies to improve interoperability and includes the exchange of best practices, reflecting the countries’ shared commitment to global peace and security.
- Strengthening defence ties: The exercise reinforces defence cooperation, camaraderie, and mutual trust between the two armies.
- Annual alternating exercise: Suryakiran is held annually, with hosting responsibilities alternating between India and Nepal.
- Previous edition: The 18th edition was held in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025, with a 334-member Indian Army contingent participating.
- India’s HADR support to Nepal: The Indian Army has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Nepal, including during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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