The fifth edition of the “Sagarmatha Friendship” joint military exercise between the Nepal Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) commenced in Kathmandu on Sunday, signaling a deepening of military ties between the two nations. The 10-day drill, held at a comprehensive training base in the capital, focuses on disaster management, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism, aiming to enhance operational capabilities and foster bilateral cooperation, according to a Nepal Army press release.

Launched in 2017, the Sagarmatha Friendship series alternates between Nepal and China, resuming in 2024 after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s exercise, themed around joint counter-terrorism operations, involves mixed teams from both armies engaging in drills such as rappelling, improvised explosive device (IED) handling, checkpoint operations, and armed rescue missions. The Nepal Army emphasized that such exercises are part of its broader strategy to boost skills through bilateral and multilateral engagements with friendly nations.

A 37-member PLA contingent arrived in Kathmandu on Friday, joining Nepali forces to exchange expertise on disaster response, critical for Nepal given its vulnerability to natural calamities like earthquakes and floods. The training also includes sports competitions and cultural exchanges to strengthen bonds. However, the exercise has drawn scrutiny from India, which views China’s growing military presence in Nepal with concern, given its historical role as Kathmandu’s primary defense partner through exercises like Surya Kiran.

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Nepal’s participation underscores its non-aligned foreign policy, balancing ties with India, China, and the US, which recently concluded the Pacific Angel exercise with Nepal. As the drills unfold until September 16, they highlight Nepal’s strategic tightrope walk amid regional rivalries, while equipping its forces for disaster resilience and peacekeeping missions.

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