Kathmandu: The 18th edition of the Nepal-India military exercise, aimed at enhancing security cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties, is set to commence at Saljhandi in Rupandehi on Tuesday.

The battalion-level joint military training, named Suryakiran, will focus on jungle warfare, counterterrorism in challenging terrains, peacekeeping missions under the United Nations Charter, disaster management and relief operations, internal capacity building, and environmental protection.

The two-week exercise will feature participation from the Sri Jung Battalion of the Nepali Army and the 11th Gorkha Rifle Regiment of the Indian Army. According to Nepali Army spokesperson Gaurab Kumar KC, the exercise is expected to bolster friendly relations and mutual trust between the two nations, while also enhancing cultural ties and professional collaboration.

The 17th edition of Suryakiran was conducted last year in Pithoragarh, India. Since the initiation of the joint exercises in 2067 BS, 4,215 personnel from the Nepali Army and 4,442 from the Indian Army have participated in the program.

This year’s exercise is anticipated to further deepen the defense and cultural bonds between Nepal and India while fostering collaboration in addressing regional and global security challenges.