Why in News?
- The 19th edition of the India–Nepal Joint Military Exercise “SURYAKIRAN-XIX” concluded at Pithoragarh.
- The validation phase was jointly witnessed by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of:
- Indian Army
- Nepal Army
- The exercise focused on:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Intelligence-based surgical missions
- High-altitude and complex terrain warfare
- Tactical validation aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- The DGMOs planted a “Tree of Friendship”, symbolising deepening strategic trust.
Relevance
GS II – International Relations
- India–Nepal defence diplomacy.
- Military ties amidst Nepal’s strategic balancing (India–China factor).
- Border security cooperation.
- Military confidence-building measures (CBMs).
GS III – Internal Security
- Counter-terrorism interoperability.
- High-altitude warfare capability (Himalayan security context).
- Tactical alignment with UN Chapter VII mandates.
What Is Exercise SURYAKIRAN?
- SURYAKIRAN is the annual bilateral military exercise between:
- India and Nepal
- It is conducted alternately in both countries.
- It focuses on:
- Counter-terrorism
- Humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR)
- Peacekeeping operations
- It reflects the unique nature of India–Nepal military ties, rooted in:
- Open borders
- Shared recruitment (Gorkha regiments)
- Historical defence cooperation
