Pakistan, Bangladesh And Now Nepal, China Draws India’s Neighbours Closer, Set To Hold Military Drill With Kathmandu | World News

Katmandu: China continues to expand its military aid in South Asia. The last move brings the people’s Liberation Army (PLA) to Nepal for a common military exercise. The exercise, called Sagarmatha friendship, starts from 6 September and points to the fifth edition of the training series.

The announcement came from the Nepal Defense Ministry spokesman Manoj Kumar Acharia, who confirmed that the exercise will be made in Nepal. The troops from both countries will participate in coordinated tasks for nine days. Education will focus on the fight against terrorism, disaster intervention and rescue operations. Practical sessions include processing of IEDs, securing the control points and managing armed interventions.

This partnership is based on past military engagements between Nepal and China. The first Sagarmatha exercise took place in 2017. He was paused during his pandemi, but continued in 2023. The current edition adds another layer to the growing defense cooperation. No location has been announced so far for 2025 edition.

Regional Dynamics Change

Nepal’s decision to make military exercises with China comes at a delicate time. The tensions between India and Nepal on the Lipulekh-Kalapani border region have not been solved.

Meanwhile, after the Galwan incident in India and China, they witnessed the gradual mitigation of tensions. Diplomatic participation continued, including senior Chinese authorities, including recent visits to India.

Beijing defense diplomacy extends beyond Nepal. He provided large amounts of military equipment in Pakistan. In Bangladesh, senior military leadership has recently returned to Chinese facilities from visits. The Chinese government is now actively interested in defense institutions in South Asia.

India is watching closely

India continues its long -standing military ties with Nepal. ‘Syria Kiran’ joint exercise has been held every year for about twenty years. In this exercise, more than 300 soldiers from both sides are participating. Training modules include disaster assistance, human duties and high altitude war.

Indian Gorkhas continues to provide significant number of services in the Indian Army.

The Nepal army is also trained with US forces under various bilateral programs. The addition of regular Chinese military cooperation adds complexity to Nepal’s security partnerships.

Indian defense planners carefully monitor these developments. Kathmando’s shift towards diversified military engagements brings new dynamics to regional security planning.