Indo-Nepal joint military exercise begins

The 13th edition of the annual joint military exercise "Surya Kiran" of the Indian and Nepalese armies began on Wednesday at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, the Indian Army said.

"The aim of the exercise is joint training of troops in counter-insurgency/ counter terrorism operations in both jungle and mountainous terrain and disaster management," an Army release said.

"Exercise 'Surya Kiran' can be termed as the facade of long-standing strategic ties between India and Nepal," it added.

As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism operations and disaster management will be conducted.

Both armies will also share their experiences in countering such situations as also refined drills and procedures for joint operation wherever the need so arises.

The exercise will culminate with a 72-hour joint exercise which will show the joint skills of soldiers while conducting any counter-terrorist operation, according to the release.

--IANS

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