Kathmandu, Dec. 29: The 18th edition of Nepal-India joint military exercise with the aim of security and expansion of bilateral relations is beginning at Saljhandi in Rupandehi from Tuesday.

The battalion-level joint military exercise named 'Suryakiran' focuses on jungle warfare, counterterrorism in difficult geography, establishment of peace keeping mission as per UN Charter, humanitarian aid in disaster management and relief mobilization, internal capacity building, and environmental protection.

The two-week long training will be attended by Sri Jung Battalion of the Nepali Army and the 11th Gorkha Rifle of the Indian Army.Spokesperson for the Nepali Army, Gaurab Kumar KC, informed Republica that the joint military training was expected to foster friendly relations and trust between Nepal and India and expand cultural relations as well. Professional collaboration will also be augmented with it, he said.

The 17th edition of the joint exercise was held in Pithoragarh of India last year. 

So far, the number of Nepali Army personnel attending this joint training has reached 4,215 while the number from the Indian side stands at 4,442.

This joint exercise had begun in 2067 BS.