Exercise Surya Kiran XVIII: Indian Army contingent leaves for Saljhandi, Nepal
A 334-strong Indian Army contingent departed on 28 December 2024 for the 18th India-Nepal Exercise Surya Kiran.
Summary
An Indian Army contingent of 334 personnel departed for Nepal on 28 December 2024 to take part in the 18th edition of the battalion-level India-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran, to be held at Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025. The annual exercise is held alternately in the two countries. The Indian contingent is led by a battalion of the 11th Gorkha Rifles, while the Nepal Army is represented by the Srijung Battalion. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountains, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the UN Charter.
Key facts
- Departure
- 28 December 2024; 334 Indian Army personnel
- Edition
- 18th, battalion level
- Venue and dates
- Saljhandi, Nepal, 31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025
- Contingents
- India: battalion of the 11th Gorkha Rifles; Nepal: Srijung Battalion
- Focus
- Jungle warfare, counter-terrorism in mountains, HADR under the UN Charter
- Frequency
- Annual; alternately in India and Nepal
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where in Nepal was the 18th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran held (31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025)?
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Correct answer: C — Saljhandi
PIB (Defence): Exercise Surya Kiran XVIII was conducted at Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025.
The Indian Army contingent for Exercise Surya Kiran XVIII was led by a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: A — 11th Gorkha Rifles
PIB (Defence): the Indian contingent was led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles; Nepal was represented by the Srijung Battalion.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Surya Kiran: 1. The December 2024 edition was its 18th edition. 2. It is an annual exercise conducted alternately in India and Nepal. 3. The Nepal Army was represented by the Srijung Battalion in the 2024-25 edition. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Defence): it was the 18th edition, it is an annual event conducted alternately in the two countries, and Nepal was represented by the Srijung Battalion; all three statements are correct.