Multi-national military exercise concludes in Nepal

KATHMANDU: A two-week long multi-national military exercise of the armies from 28 countries, including India and the US, today concluded at Nepal's Birendra Peace Operation Training Centre in Panchkhal, 60-km east of Kathmandu.

A total of 1,135 army personnel participated in the Shanti Prayash III jointly organised by Nepal Army and US Pacific Command.

Defence Minister Balkrishna Khand was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by Nepal Army Chief Rajendra Chhetri and other senior army officials.

A Global Peace Operations Initiative capstone exercise, Shanti Prayas III trained partner for their participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Nepal, the US, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and the UK were among the participating countries.

The multinational exercise include Staff Training Event, Field Training, Critical Enabler and Capability Enhancement as well as Regional Seminar on Capability Development and Improving Performance in Peace Keeping.

The aim of the exercise was to promote peace keeping skill through mutual cooperation and collaboration among armies of different countries, said a statement issued by the Nepal Army headquarters.