Joint India-Nepal army exercise's tenth edition kicks off

"Surya Kiran-X", the 10th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise, has commenced at the Army Battle School (NABS) at Nepal's Saljhandi, an Indian army official said on Monday.

"It is the tenth in the series of such exercise between the two nations and will go on till November 13," the official of the Army's Central Command told IANS.

The Surya Kiran series of exercises are being conducted bi-annually, alternatively in Nepal and India. Among the exercises undertaken by with various countries, Surya Kiran series is the largest in terms of troop participation.

The Indian Army is represented by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, while Nepal has sent the Jabar Jung Battalion for the exercise, aimed at battalion level joint training with emphasis on counter-terrorism in a mountainous terrain. Aspects of Disaster Management have also been included in the exercise.

"The joint battalion level exercise will enhance defence co-operation and relations between the two nations. It is an ideal platform for the contingents of both nations to share their experience and gain mutually. The exercise will be yet another step towards taking the traditional friendship between the two nations to greater heights," an official said.

--IANS

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