Nepal-India joint military exercise concludes

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 15: The 18th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ involving the Nepali Army and the Indian Army, which started on December 31 at Saljhandi in Rupandehi district, has been concluded.

Chief of the Staff Lieutenant General Pradip Jung KC concluded the joint military exercise amidst a function held on Monday in Saljhandi.

In the concluding programme, the CoS Lieutenant General KC expressed his gratitude to all the related agencies for the successful completion of the joint exercise.

On the occasion, Lt. Gen. KC congratulated the troops participating in the exercise for the successful completion of the exercise and mentioned that the professional efficiency, high level of dedication and collective commitment displayed by the forces of both countries during the exercise was commendable.

On behalf of the Indian Army, Brigadier General Govindan Praveen, who came as an observer for the exercise, gave his statement on the occasion. Brigadier General of the Nepali Army Suraj Gurung gave a briefing about the exercise.

A total of 668 soldiers from both countries participated in the exercise, which included topics such as disaster management, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, jungle warfare and humanitarian assistance, under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Nirajan Katwal from the Nepali Army and Colonel Japendar Pal Singh from the Indian Army.

Major General Prem Bahadur Pun, head of the mid-west Division Headquarters, Indian military attaché for Nepal and others were present in the closing programme.

The Nepali Army believes that this joint military exercise, which has been conducted alternately between Nepal and India since 2010, will further strengthen the friendly mutual relations between the two countries, and the development of professional skills and increase mutual understanding.