Nepal and China have started the fourth round of their collaborative military exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 , in Kathmandu involving the Nepali Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The drill, which is scheduled to last until 16 September 2025 , is aimed at enhancing collaboration in counter-terrorism, managing disasters, and maintaining peace by the United Nations . The biennial exercise, the first one was held in 2017, is a deliberation between Nepal and China, and the reflection of the gradual development of military and strategic relations between the two neighbours.
Focus of the Exercise
Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 focuses on collective counter-terrorism exercises, as well as relief operations. Bilateral armies are involved in mixed teams in fields, knowledge sharing, cultural and sporting activities. The training boosts interoperability, establishes trust and equips the two forces to meet regional security threats as well as international peacekeeping efforts.
Historical Background
Chinas position in Nepal has become very important, particularly following the 2015 India led economic blockade that has put pressure on Nepal-India relations. Beijing provided a financial, logistical and political aid which made the Nepal communist parties unite and also gave a boost to the bilateral relations. In the past China has also provided ideological support to the Maoist insurgency in Nepal which formed the basis of political and defence links.
Economic and Infrastructure Interconnections.
Defence is no longer the only point of bilateral ties. China undertakes hydropower, railways, and connectivity projects as a part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These initiatives are meant to enhance the capacity of Nepal in terms of infrastructure and trade but also heightens Kathmandu economic reliance on Beijing.
Defence Cooperation
There has been growth in military co-operation through shared drills , training, and equipment and logistics assistance. The assistance of China increases the ability of Nepal to counter-terrorism and peacekeeping as well as increasing its involvement in the dynamic security situation in the region.
Geopolitical Indian Concerns.
The increasing presence of China in Nepal is the cause of strategic worry in India due to the sensitive nature of the Himalayan border. The rise in the Chinese influence can lead to the strategic encircling of India and threaten the old position of India as the main partner of Nepal. The alliance with BRI also makes it more difficult to ensure regional influence by India in Nepal.
Ongoing Challenges
Even though there is cooperation, there are tensions. The lack of the latest official map of China that recognises some of the northwestern region of Nepal has also led to conflicts and this indicates how weak the partnership is. The balancing of strategic, economic and territorial interests will continue to be the main focus of NepalChina relations.
Month: Current Affairs - September 09, 2025
Category: current affairs daily