Nepal, China to hold first ever joint military drill from Sunday

Sagarmatha Friendhsip-2017-Nepal, China first joint military drill from Sunday

Nepal and China will hold their first ever joint military exercise on April 16-25 focused (ध्यान केंद्रित) on counter-terrorism and distaster response, Nepal Army announced on Thursday.  In a recent visit to
Nepal, Chinese defence minister Chang Wanquan had announced 300 million Yuan military aid to Nepal Army for its UN peacekeepers, mainly logistics.  “In a bid to give continuity of joint military training and exercises with neighbouring (पड़ोसी) countries and friendly nations; and in the context(संदर्भ) of terrorism that is posing(प्रस्तुत) serious threat to the global peace and its possible challenges to the global security, we are holding a first ever joint military exercise with China under the banner of ‘Sagarmatha Friendhsip-2017,” said a statement from the army. 

Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mt Everest that borders Nepal and China.  

The exercise has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, with the strategic circle in the Indian capital questioning its intent.

“It is well-known that under the ambit (कक्षा) of Nepal’s foreign and security policies, Nepal Army has been regularly conducting(आयोजन) bilateral and multilateral joint military exercise, training and seminars with various nations in order to boost the capability of the army personals and has been sharing experiences , skills and professional knowledge. 

“In this context, common interests like disaster management and others, Nepal Army have been conducting joint military exercises, seminars and training with various nations that Nepal has diplomatic (राजनयिक) ties,” the army statement said. 

Such kind of multilateral and bilateral training slots and exercises will provide opportunities to both armies to exchange their professional skills, will boost their capability and further strength the  diplomatic and military ties, the army said.

Nepal has been holding such joint military exercise with India, US and recently held a multilateral joint military exercise with various nations involved in UN peace keeping operations.   

List of India joint military drill 

India	United States	Naval	Malabar
India	United States	Army	Yudh Abhyas
India	United States	Air force	Red Flag
India	United States	Army	Cope
India	France	Air Force	Varuna
India	United kingdom	Army	Ajeya Warrior
India	United kingdom	Air Force	Garuda
India	United Kingdom	Air Force	Indra Dhanush
India	Managolia	Military	Nomadic Elephant
India	China	Military	Hand In Hand
India	Sri Lanka	Army	Mitra Shakti
India	Sri Lanka	Navy	slinex
India	Singapore	Navy	Simbex
India	Thailand	Military	Maitree
India	Russia	Army	Indra
India	Australia	Maritime	Ausindex
India	Kazakishtan	Army	“PRABAL DOSTYK
India	UK	Maritime	Konkan
India	Nepal	Army	Surya Kiran
India	Maldives	Military	Ex Ekuverin
India	Japan	Coast Guards	Sahyog Kaijin