Indian and Nepalese troops take part in the inaugural function of the joint military exercise titled ‘Surya Kiran’ in Pithoragarh on Tuesday.

Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, March 7

The 11th Indo-Nepal joint military exercise — Surya Kiran — began at terrains of Panchsule brigade of Army’s Surya Command today. Major General RK Bhardwaj inaugurated the 14-day battalion-level exercise. “600 jawans from both sides are participating in the exercise. The focus is on counter-insurgency measures in hill regions besides establishing military cooperation in tough and hilly terrains between the two armies,” stated a press release issued by Defence PRO in Lucknow.“The exercise is being undertaken keeping in view disaster management in hills, anti- terrorist campaigns and mutual cooperation between the two friendly countries,” said a spokesman of the Army in Pithoragarh terrains.Durgabaksh Batallion from Nepal and Ekta Shakti Battalion from India are taking part in the exercise that is aimed at training troops in counter-insurgency operations in mountainous terrain also incorporates issues related to humanitarian assistance and disaster management.