LUCKNOW: Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII, a joint military training exercise between India &  Nepal culminated on Tuesday at Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), wherein the troops of both Armies participated in 14 days long joint training based on counter terrorist operations.

The exercise also included joint training on Disaster Relief which helped in enhancing disaster management skills of troops. As part of the exercise important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency, counter terrorism operations and disaster management were conducted.

The training culminated with a 72 hours outdoor exercise in which troops of both contingents carried out a Cordon and Search Operation in a mock Counter Insurgency village. During the final phase of the exercise Major General Neeraj Verma, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Uttar Bharat Area, Brigadier Ajay Kumar Vig & Brigadier Ranjan Mallik were present as observer representatives of Indian Army and Major General Rajendra Karki, Divisional Commander, Mid Western Division along with two Brigadier ranking officers were present from Nepal Army.

Besides training, both the contingents also participated in number of extracurricular activities including friendly Football, Basketball, Volleyball matches and a cultural event on the final day to increase the bonhomie between troops. The joint training was undoubtedly, an unprecedented success. Besides promoting understanding and inter-operability between the two armies, it further helped in cementing ties between both nations.