India, Nepal set to launch 19th ‘Suryakiran’ exercise in Uttarakhand from Nov 25th
The Indian Army contingent comprising 334 personnel participated in the 18th edition of Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise Suryakiran (with Nepal) held in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024, to January 13. 2025.
Now armies from both the countries are set to conduct the 19th edition of the annual bilateral military Exercise Suryakiran from November 25 (Tuesday) to December 8 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
The exercise will aim to strengthen operational synergy in conducting jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
(Representational images)
It also focuses on integration of niche technology to enhance interoperability while sharing best practices, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Nepal towards global peace and security, while further deepening defence cooperation, camaraderie and mutual trust between both armies.
Last year the exercise focused on enhancing operational preparedness, aviation aspects, medical training, and environmental conservation. Through these activities, the troops enhanced their operational capabilities, refined their combat skills and strengthened their coordination to operate together in challenging situations.
The exercise provided 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.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Nepal have long-standing and extensive mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of defence and security. Both armies share an excellent and harmonious relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
India has played a vital role in the modernisation and capability enhancement of the Nepal Army by providing various types of defence stores and imparting regular training to Nepal Army personnel.
The Indian Army has also been at the forefront of India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Nepal, particularly during the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mizoram completes nearly 60% biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees
Mizoram is at present sheltering 33,171 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, in addition to 6,953 internally displaced people from neighbouring Manipur.
The state shares a 404-km porous international border with Myanmar, though the Union Home Ministry places the figure at 510 km, and another 318 km with Bangladesh.
It also shares a 95-km interstate boundary with Manipur.
Biometric enrolment of refugees from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts has also begun in several districts, with 2,356 individuals identified for registration. Officials said nearly 11 per cent of them have been enrolled so far.
Mizoram has completed close to 60 per cent of biometric enrolment for refugees from Myanmar who have taken shelter across the State.
The registration drive, which began in late July, is underway in all 11 districts using the Union Home Ministry’s Foreigner Identification Portal. According to officials, the number of Myanmar nationals currently residing in the State has dipped slightly over the past week – from 31,214 to 30,815. Of these, biometric details of 18,265 people, or 59.27 per cent, have been captured so far.
In Lawngtlai district, which hosts the second-highest refugee population at around 6,000, enrolment stands slightly above 46 per cent.
Aizawl district has reported the fastest progress, completing more than 95 per cent of registrations among its roughly 4,000 refugees.
Champhai district, which borders Myanmar and accommodates the largest concentration of refugees – over 13,500 – continues to record the slowest progress, having completed less than 40 per cent of registrations.
Officials attributed the delay to both technical glitches during the initial phase and the sheer volume of people awaiting enrolment.
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A file image of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, congregating for an event |
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