The armies of India and Nepal have started their joint military exercise. This exercise is being conducted in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, and has been named Surya Kiran-19. This exercise will run from 25 November to 8 December, 2025.

The 19th edition of the India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise, Surya Kiran-XIX – 2025, began on 25 November, 2025 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
This edition of the annual bilateral exercise will continue till 8 December, 2025, with the objective of enhancing operational coordination and strategic understanding between the two neighbouring nations.

‘Surya Kiran-XIX’

This year, both India and Nepal have deployed 334-334 soldiers each, reflecting equal participation and commitment to regional defence cooperation.
The Indian Army is mainly represented by troops from the Assam Regiment. The Nepalese contingent includes soldiers from the Devi Dutta Regiment. This bilateral setup further strengthens the long-standing historical and military ties between the two countries.
The main objective of Exercise Surya Kiran-XIX is to rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which focuses on the use of force for peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

Previous edition of “Surya Kiran”

The India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “Surya Kiran” 2024–2025 (18th edition) was held from 31 December, 2024 to 13 January, 2025 in Saljhandi, Nepal.
The 17th edition of the exercise was held in Uttarakhand in December 2023.

India–Nepal relations:

Nepal shares a 1,850 km border with 5 Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed in 1950 is the foundation of their special bilateral relationship.
The Kosi Agreement (1954, amended in 1966), the Mahakali Treaty (1996) and the Gandak Agreement (1959, amended in 1964) are major water-sharing agreements between India and Nepal.