The Chinese and Nepalese militaries are set to conduct joint counter-terrorism drills in Nepal next month, coinciding with Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s visit to China for the SCO Plus Summit. This exercise, marking the fifth collaboration between the PLA and Nepalese forces, aims to enhance their counter-terrorism capabilities and strengthen military ties. The visit will also involve attendance at a military parade in Beijing, which has sparked diplomatic tensions with Japan. This development underscores China’s efforts to bolster its regional influence through military partnerships, while India must remain vigilant and proactive in strengthening its own regional alliances and defense strategies.