Indo-Nepal joint army exercise concludes

Lucknow: The customary exchange of mementos marked the successful completion on February 21, the momentous 13-day Indo-Nepal Combined Military Training Exercise Surya Kiran-IX Pithoragarh concluded on February 21 .The exercise had commenced February 8 last under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade wherein an Infantry Battalion of Indian Army and Shree Rudra Dhoj Battalion of Nepalese Army participated in the combined exercise .

The combined training included familiarisation with weapons and equipment used by both the countries, analysing groupings, drills and tactics while operating in counter terrorism environment and modalities for conduct of Area Domination operations apart from operations like Cordon and Search, Seek and Destroy and also aspects of Disaster Management. Personnel from the Nepalese contingent were given an opportunity to fire weapons in use by the Indian Army.

File photo: Indo-Nepal training sessions

• The Combined training was an excellent opportunity to understand and learn from each others’ experiences.
• During the exercise, both the Armies were able to evolve combined tactical procedures and drills in counter terrorism operations, jungle warfare and in development of disaster response mechanism.
• The training culminated in a two days exercise covering a mock Cordon and Search operation in a village based on a depicted situation.
• The exercise was observed by Major General Shekhar Singh Bansyat from the Nepal Army and by Brigadier Rakesh Manocha, Sena Medal, Commander Panchul Brigade from the Indian Army along with other officers.
• Exercise Surya Kiran culminated in a spectacular closing ceremony on 21 February 2016 witnessed by the observers from both nations along with a host of other important dignitaries.