Suryakiran Army Exercise Between Nepal and India

The Indian army has been a key security partner for Nepal since the first Indo-Nepal Treaty of 1850. The bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries is rooted in a post World War II defensive strategy for non-aligned states, which Nepal followed after gaining independence from the British in 1949. This strategic partnership continues to be underpinned by a military assistance agreement between the two countries in 1960, which marked the beginning of significant bilateral defence cooperation between the Indian army and Nepal. The following article explains the key points and objectives of the Surya Kiran Army Exercise.

Objectives of the Surya Kiran Army Exercise

The Objectives of the Surya Kiran Army Exercise (SKAE) include further strengthening of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries and making it a more effective pillar of security and stability in South Asia. The exercise would also contribute to the military capabilities of the two countries’ armed forces, promote interoperability between their forces and reinforce strategic military cooperation between both countries. SKAE was conducted for two weeks between 20 September- and 3 October 2019, with over 350 personnel from Nepal and India participating in this major exercise. The Indian Army and Sixth Division of the Nepal Army, carried out this exercise. The main purpose was to enhance the operational readiness and combat capabilities of both partners, which would aid them in ensuring national security and stability.

Key Points of the Surya Kiran Army Exercise

Preliminary Exercise:

On 20 September 2019, a preliminary two-day exercise was conducted by both sides. These exercises involved net intelligence assessment of enemy forces, including computer simulations. On 22 September 2019, both parties also conducted a situational training exercise on using NBC equipment, combat first aid, and rescue.

Coordination Exercise:

The main part of the exercise started with a Coordination Exercise (CEX) from 22 September to 3 October 2019. The exercise involved a common brigade-level ground and air defence coordination, communication, and control exercise. The exercise enabled both sides to conduct combined air defence operations successfully against an enemy attacking a neighboring country.

The main aim of the exercise was to develop understanding and capability to coordinate their respective efforts in the event of an attack by an external force, thereby ensuring their ability to defend their borders alongside each other.

An Inter-American Conference on Air Defence (CINDER 2011) was conducted as a part of the SKAE. It was held on 21 March 2011 at the Indian Air Force Station, Hindon, Ghaziabad. The conference aimed to promote greater understanding between India and Nepal in air defence. Members included members from various Central and South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, and Ecuador.

Key Participants: 

Indian Army: 6th Division of the Indian Army provided 313 troops for SKAE. The Commanding Officer of the 6th Division, Lieutenant General SK Singh, was the designated commander of SKAE.

Nepal Army: Commander of the Sixth Division of the Nepal Army provided 350 troops for SKAE. The Commanding Officer of the Sixth Division was Major General BC Khadka.

Objective Location: 

15th SKAE was conducted at Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand from 20 September to 3 October 2019.

Operation Area: 

The operation area consisted of the mountain ranges of Rudraprayag and Swat in the state of Uttarakhand. The location of the exercise was a cross point between two areas where the two armies prepared for their individual tasks. Both sides conducted exercises on a range that extended from Rukuma to Sattal, which runs from north to south in the state of Uttarakhand.

The Partnership Between India and Nepal:

Nepal and India have maintained good bilateral relations since the signing of the Peace and Friendship Treaty in 1950. Nepal was one of the seven countries to join ‘The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Peace’ at Bandung in 1955. In 1962, the two states signed a treaty on reciprocal help in times of danger. It was followed by another treaty in 1967, which stated that the two governments would not allow their respective territories to be used for activities against each other.

Military Assistance:

The two countries’ militaries have benefited immensely from each other in terms of training and acquiring defence equipment. They have frequently participated in joint military exercises, and their professionals have attended seminars and training sessions conducted by each other. They have also acquired defence equipment from each other such as field guns, armored vehicles, artillery and ammunition, radars, and helicopters.

Defence Cooperation between the Indian army and Nepal

India and Nepal have strengthened their defence partnership in order to face potential challenges from other states. The two countries have signed a number of bilateral agreements in the past to improve their military cooperation. Both countries agreed to hold joint military exercises, including operations and training between their forces. Within this framework, they have conducted 14 major joint exercises since 1978.

Conclusion

Nepal and India have been strengthening their relations regularly over the past few years. The two sides have been working together on many issues, including the signing of an agreement for the peaceful use of atomic energy. The two countries are also collaborating in the areas of security, diplomacy, and defense. Nepal is a close friend and ally of India, with whom the latter has signed several defence agreements. The objectives of the Surya Kiran army exercise have been achieved. The military officers and soldiers employed have achieved considerable experience and are capable of handling contingencies with heightened efficiency.