The 19th edition of the prestigious India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “SuryaKiran XIX – 2025” formally commenced on Tuesday in the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, with soldiers from both nations assembling for an intensive 14-day training programme scheduled from November 25 to December 8. Conducted annually on a rotational basis, this exercise has long symbolised the deep-rooted military camaraderie and trust between the two armies, yet this year’s iteration marks a transformative shift toward technology-driven warfare.

For the first time, the drills extend far beyond conventional infantry tactics to immerse troops in cutting-edge battlefield systems. Participants will operate and counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), conduct live drone-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and harness AI-enabled decision support tools that provide real-time analysis and predictive modelling. The inclusion of counter-drone protocols underscores the growing relevance of aerial threats in sub-conventional and hybrid warfare environments.

Adding to the futuristic arsenal, soldiers will train with unmanned logistic vehicles designed to deliver supplies across treacherous mountain paths without risking human lives, alongside next-generation armoured protection platforms that offer enhanced mobility and survivability. These platforms allow both armies to experiment with integrated command-and-control networks, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures for seamless joint operations in counter-terrorism scenarios aligned with current global security challenges.

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Beyond the technological showcase, SuryaKiran XIX continues to foster unparalleled interoperability and cultural bonding. Joint patrols, medical evacuation drills, and disaster-response simulations remain core components, while evening cultural programmes and equipment displays strengthen the personal ties that have historically defined India-Nepal military relations. The exercise also serves as a subtle yet powerful statement of collective readiness along the sensitive Himalayan frontier.

As the era of drone swarms and artificial intelligence redefines modern conflict, this high-altitude laboratory in the Himalayas positions both the Indian Army and the Nepalese Army at the forefront of military modernisation. By mastering these emerging domains together, the two forces are not merely training for today’s threats but actively shaping their capabilities for the battlefields of tomorrow.

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