India and Nepal Armies jointly conducted Surya Kiran XI joint exercise at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The fortnight long training was conducted in the hills adjoining Pithoragarh giving realistic environ to the contingents to practice and rehearse drills.<br/><br/>The training culminated with a 48 hours outdoor exercise in which troops of both contingents carried out a cordon and search operation in a mock village. The training also provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two armies to share their experiences.<br/><br/>Surya Kiran is conducted every year, alternatively in India and Nepal, with an aim to promote military relations. It also helps in increasing interoperability in conducting joint counter insurgency operations in mountainous terrain.