Description

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Context:

The Indian Army contingent comprising more than 300 personnel departed for Nepal today to participate in the India-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran.

About Exercise Surya Kiran

It is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Nepalese Army.
It is an annual event held alternately in both countries.
It aims to improve interoperability in jungle warfare, mountain counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter.
Through various war games, both sides strive to improve their operational capabilities, hone their combat skills and strengthen their coordination to work together in challenging scenarios.
The exercise will provide a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences, share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other's operational procedures.

18th Edition

It is to be held in Saljhandi, Nepal.
The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles, while the Nepalese Army will be represented by the Srijung Battalion.

About India-Nepal Relations

Area	Details
Trade and Development	Trade and Investment: India is Nepal's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment. Bilateral trade crossed $7 billion in 2019–2020 with a trade deficit in favor of India.
	Connectivity and Development Partnership: India supports Nepal's infrastructure development, including border infrastructure and cross-border rail links.
	$680 million line of credit from India for three major transmission corridors: Bheri Corridor, Nijgadh Inaruwa Corridor, and Gandak Nepalgunj Corridor.
	Dual Integrated Checkpoints (ICP) established at Rupaidiha, India, and Nepalgunj, Nepal in 2023.
	Revised transit treaty provides Nepal access to India's inland waterways.
Political and Security	Political Cooperation: Regular high-level visits and Nepal as a priority partner under India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
	Defense Cooperation: Recruitment of Nepalese soldiers into the Indian Army's Gorkha regiments.
	Annual joint military exercise Surya Kiran conducted alternately by both countries.
	Multilateral Cooperation: Joint participation in BBIN, BIMSTEC, Non-Aligned Movement, SAARC, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
Energy	Energy Exchange Agreement: Since 1971, India and Nepal have exchanged energy to meet border area requirements.
	In 2023, India enabled the first tripartite electricity trade, allowing Nepal to export up to 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through India.
	Hydropower Cooperation: Long-standing collaboration in hydropower development.
Other Areas	Culture: Deep interpersonal relationships, especially along the border. Buddhist and Ramayana circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme connect Lumbini and Janakpur with Indian religious cities.
	Disaster Management: India conducted Operation Maitri as the first responder to Nepal's 2015 earthquake.
	Under the Vaccine Maitri Initiative, India supplied Covishield to Nepal.

Source:

Economic Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.India and Nepal share a unique defense relationship characterized by historical ties and strategic interests. Discuss the key features of this relationship and analyze its role in strengthening regional security and bilateral cooperation. (250 words)