The two armies are fielding around 300 personnel each for the battalion level military training called the “Indo-Nepal Joint Group Training EX-SURYA KIRAN-VII”. Apart from the usual military drill for counterinsurgency operation, jungle warfare, counter terrorism and high-altitude operation, disaster relief and casualty evacuation have been included in the joint exercise that will be carried out at a height of 5,000-6,000 ft in the terrains of Pithoragarh district. “This is a regular joint exercise that takes place twice every year between the two armies. The fortnight long military drill will have special focus on disaster management this time around,” said Nepal Army spokesperson Brig Gen Jagadish Pokharel.

The 7th combined training aims to share theoretical, practical and special skills and experiences acquired by Nepal Army and Indian Army to the rank and file of both the armies, according to a press release issued by NA’s Directorate of Public Relation.

The joint exercise is taking place as India has readied teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for conducting rescue operations in Nepal.