Nepal and China have started the Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 military exercise, highlighting growing defence ties between the two nations. The joint drills focus on counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and building interoperability between their armies. For Nepal, it is a chance to expand defence cooperation beyond its traditional partners, while China sees it as a way to strengthen its influence in South Asia.
Overview of Sagarmatha Friendship 2025
The Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 is the fourth edition of the Nepal–China joint military exercise, named after Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal. Held in Nepal, the exercise brings together soldiers from both sides for advanced training. The program includes live drills, tactical planning, and field operations designed to improve coordination.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Disaster Relief
One of the primary goals of Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 is to prepare both armies for counter-terrorism operations. With rising global threats, the training emphasizes hostage rescue, urban warfare, and intelligence sharing. Another key area is disaster relief, as Nepal faces frequent earthquakes and floods. This cooperation ensures both forces can respond quickly during emergencies.
Mixed-Team Drills and Knowledge Exchange
The exercise features mixed-team formations, where soldiers from Nepal and China train together in small groups. These sessions allow knowledge exchange in tactical combat, rescue methods, and use of modern equipment. Such collaboration builds trust and helps both armies adopt new techniques for real-world scenarios.
Boosts Nepal–China Defence Cooperation
The launch of Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 highlights the growing defence partnership between Nepal and China. Since the first edition in 2017, these exercises have steadily expanded in scale. For Nepal, this partnership provides access to training and technology, while for China, it offers a stronger presence in the Himalayan region.
Regional Security and India’s Strategic Angle
The Nepal–China joint military exercise has also raised attention in India. As Nepal’s immediate neighbour, India has traditionally been the country’s closest security partner. However, the Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 indicates Kathmandu’s balancing act between major powers. Analysts suggest that while the exercise is focused on counter-terrorism, it also reflects shifting regional security dynamics where China is increasing its military outreach.
Conclusion
The Sagarmatha Friendship 2025 is more than just a military drill—it is a symbol of Nepal and China’s deepening defence cooperation. By focusing on counter-terrorism, disaster response, and joint training, the exercise strengthens bilateral ties while also influencing the wider security landscape in South Asia.
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Source: Gk Today.
