The 11th Indo – Nepal Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran commenced today at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The fourteen day exercise is aimed at training of troops in counter insurgency operations in mountainous terrain. It formally incorporates issues related to humanitarian assistance and disaster management and will help enhance defence co-operation and military relations between the two countries.<br/><br/>According to an official release, Nepal Army is being represented by the officers and troops of the elite DURGA BAKSH Battalion while the EKTA SHAKTI Battalion of the Punjab Regiment is participating on behalf of the Indian Army.