The 19th edition of the India–Nepal Joint Military Exercise 'SURYAKIRAN XIX' commenced on November 25, 2025 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, and will continue until December 8, 2025. The Indian contingent (334 personnel) is represented mainly by troops from the Assam Regiment, while the Nepal contingent (334 personnel) is represented by troops from the Devi Datta Regiment. The exercise's primary aim is to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The scope covers battalion-level synergy in: jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR), medical response, environmental conservation, and integrated ground-aviation operations. SURYAKIRAN XIX incorporates niche and emerging technologies including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and AI-enabled decision support tools — making it more technologically advanced than previous editions. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, share best practices, and foster defence cooperation and bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations. Suryakiran is conducted alternately in India and Nepal and is one of the most important bilateral military exercises between the two countries, reflecting the deep-rooted 'Roti-Beti' cultural relationship and strategic partnership. The exercise also enables coordination in disaster response, particularly relevant given the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region shared by India and Nepal.