India, Nepal to hold military training exercise from Feb 8

The ninth India-Nepal combined battalion-level military training exercise 'Surya Kiran' will be conducted at Pithoragarh from February 8 to 21 under the aegis of Panchshul brigade of central command, an official statement said.

During the exercise, an infantry battalion each from the Indian Army and the Nepalese Army would train together and share their experiences of counter-terrorism operations and jungle warfare in mountainous terrain.

Surya Kiran series of exercises is a bi-annual event conducted alternatively in India and Nepal.

"The aim of this combined training exercise is to enhance inter-operability between the Indian and the Nepalese army units in jungle warfare and counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain," the statement added.

It said the training will also focus on humanitarian aid and disaster relief including medical and aviation support.

The release said combined training, mutual interaction and sharing of experiences shall further strengthen historical military and strategic ties and give further fillip to the bilateral relations.