KATHMANDU: Nepali Army and Indian Army started a joint military exercise, named Surya Kiran XI, in Pithoragarh of Indian state of Uttarakhand on Tuesday.

As many as 664 personnel -- 314 from Nepal and 350 from India -- are taking part in the eleventh edition of Indo-Nepal military exercise, which will conclude on March 20.

The infantry battalion-level drill will focus on skills required for natural disaster management, counter-insurgency and jungle warfare, according to the Nepali Army.

The joint military exercise is conducted every year, alternatively in India and Nepal. The Surya Kiran X was held in Saljhandi of Dang last year.

This sort of military exercise will strengthen the friendly relation between Nepal and India since ancient times and build up understanding between the ranks and file of two armies, the Nepali Army said in a statement.

Surya Kiran aims at promoting military relations while increasing interoperability in conducting joint counter insurgency operations in mountainous terrain, according to the Indian Army.

Both armies stand to benefit mutually from each other’s experience in fighting insurgency, environmental conservation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) etc., a statement issued by Indian army said.

Present iteration of the joint military exercise is being conducted under the aegis of Panchshul Brigade in Surya Command, the Indian Army said.