The joint exercise will improve defense collaboration between the two neighboring countries

India and Nepal are going to commence the 16th edition of the Indo-Nepal Joint Training Exercise 'Surya Kiran-XVI' at the Nepal Army Battle School in Saljhandi on Friday.

The exercise will be held from December 16 to December 29.

Exercise 'Surya Kiran' is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and HADR under UN mandate, India's Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

The last edition of the exercise was held in September 2021 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

During the exercise, soldiers from the 5 GR will represent the Indian Army, whereas the Shree Bhawani Baksh Battalion will represent the Nepal Army. Through these contingents, the two forces will be exchanging knowledge and lessons learned from the numerous counter-insurgency operations they have carried out in their respective nations over the years.

Additionally, the joint exercise would be centered on the development of coordinated exercises for planning and carrying out tactical operations at the unit level in counterterrorism operations, disaster response mechanisms generally, and the role of armed forces in disaster management.

During the exercise, participants will train together to improve interoperability and exchange their expertise in counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and humanitarian relief operations.

The joint military exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation which will further foster the bilateral relations between the two nations, the Ministry of Defence noted.