The 19th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise, Exercise SURYAKIRAN XIX, commenced on November 25, 2025, in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, and will run until December 8. This bilateral exercise, involving 334 personnel from both the Indian Army and the Nepalese Army, primarily aims to enhance battalion-level synergy in areas such as jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian assistance. This year’s focus includes the integration of advanced technologies like Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as AI-enabled decision support tools, emphasizing the need for adaptive tactics in the evolving global counter-terrorism landscape. By engaging in this collaborative training, both armies aim to foster stronger bilateral relations, improve interoperability, share best practices, and contribute to peacekeeping mandates under the United Nations framework. The exercise signifies the commitment of India and Nepal to strengthen defense cooperation amid regional challenges and enhance operational readiness in complex terrains.