30,000 soldiers to the north in Belarus. 6 Russian warships and 10,000 soldiers to the south in Crimea. 100,000 soldiers to the east near the Russian border. Palki Sharma tells you how Russia has encircled Ukraine.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: How has Putin surrounded Ukraine?

Palki Sharma joins the 135th battalion of the Territorial Defence Forces as they train in snow-covered northern Ukraine. Can the civilian recruits step up against the massive Russian war machine? How are they moulded into battle-ready soldiers? Catch this ground report to find out.

Gravitas: WION ringside at Ukraine military drill

For several months now since November, the leaders of the west, Russia, and indeed the United States have been engaged in an escalating war of words. The political shadow boxing has been over a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia having amassed almost over a hundred thousand troops along the borders with eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Conflict: First US reinforcement troops for EU arrive in Germany

Joe Biden is deploying 3,000 soldiers to Europe as Russia prepares for a massive military drill with Belarus. Will Putin use the drills to mount an invasion? Is the window for diplomacy shrinking? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe

At least 3000 Russian troops conducted a live fire exercises in Western Russia on Tuesday including areas close to Ukraine; the drill took place a day after US and Russia held talks.

Russia holds live-fire military drills in regions near Ukraine

Thousands of Russian troops have reportedly withdrawn from the Ukraine border after conducting month-long drills, as tensions remain high amid fears that Moscow may be planning an attack.

Russian troops conclude month-long military drills near Ukraine, return to base

Ukraine held further military drills at its borders as it warned of painful consequences should Russia invade. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for further sanctions against Russia if the situation deteriorates.

Ukraine troops hold drill amid border tensions, warns Russia against invasion

After holding a massive military drill in Crimea Russia has ordered its top army command to began the returning troops to their permanent bases, saying it had successfully completed a "snap inspection"of forces in its south and west, near the border with Ukraine.

Russia orders top command to begin returning to bases after drills in Crimea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the reduction of Russian troops that were running drills near his country's border, saying the move "reduces tensions".

Ukraine welcomes drawdown of Russian troops from border

In France, soldiers at a military school conducted drills with robots. WION's Palki Sharma shows you what future wars could look like.

Gravitas: In France, Soldiers conduct drills with robots!

France recently conducted a military drill in Space! Why is France preparing to fight in Space? Is Space next battleground? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: France conducted a military drill in Space!

The United States, Japan, and France will hold joint military drills on land and sea for the first time in May, 2021 in the backdrop of the Chinese military stepping up activity in the region.

The Sankei newspaper said reported on Sunday the exercises, to be conducted on one of Japan's uninhabited outlying islands, will focus on providing relief efforts during a natural disaster, but parts could also form the basis for a defence against attack.

The joint exercises aim to counter China, which claims Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea, the paper said.

"We want to demonstrate our presence to the region and send a message about Japan-France cooperation," Admiral Pierre Vandier, chief of staff of the French navy, told Sankei in a separate interview.

"This is a message aimed at China. This is a message about multi-lateral partnerships and the freedom of passage."

China has said its intentions in the region are peaceful. But Japan has grown particularly concerned about a rise in Chinese naval activity around the disputed islands in the East China Sea that Tokyo calls the Senkaku, while Beijing refers to them the Diaoyu.

The United States, Japan, and France will hold joint military drills on land and sea for the first time in May, 2021 in the backdrop of the Chinese military stepping up activity in the region.

The United States, Japan, and France will hold joint military drills on land and sea for the first time in May, 2021 in the backdrop of the Chinese military stepping up activity in the region. The Sankei newspaper said reported on Sunday the exercises, to be conducted on one of Japan's uninhabited outlying islands, will focus on providing relief efforts during a natural disaster, but parts could also form the basis for a defence against attack. The joint exercises aim to counter China, which claims Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea, the paper said. "We want to demonstrate our presence to the region and send a message about Japan-France cooperation," Admiral Pierre Vandier, chief of staff of the French navy, told Sankei in a separate interview. "This is a message aimed at China. This is a message about multi-lateral partnerships and the freedom of passage." China has said its intentions in the region are peaceful. But Japan has grown particularly concerned about a rise in Chinese naval activity around the disputed islands in the East China Sea that Tokyo calls the Senkaku, while Beijing refers to them the Diaoyu.

US, Japan and France plan their first joint military drills in May, 2021

Indian Navy has deployed its sole aircraft carrier, the Queen of battle till the Arabian sea to closely watch over the joint military drills between China and Pakistan. The INS Vikramaditya was the fleet of the mig 29k fighter jets on board, who will be monitoring the nine-day mega naval exercise sea guardian 2020. #WION #WIONNews #IndianNavy #Navy #Pakistan #China #MilitaryDrill

WION Dispatch: INS Vikramaditya monitors Pak-China naval drill

Shots of Taiwan exhibiting its military might will enthrall you

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies.

The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries.

The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11.

State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance.

The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing.

The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas.

"During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast.

The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together.

The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said.

"The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier.

After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations.

Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute.

Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie.

Indian and Chinese troops on Saturday concluded the seventh round of counter-terrorism military exercises in China's Chengdu city during which over 100-strong contingents from both nations conducted the drills while living and dining together to build up a sense of camaraderie. This year's 'Hand-in-Hand' exercises focussing on urban terrorism were significant as they were held after a gap of a year. The drills were not held last year following the 73-day military standoff at Doklam which ratcheted up tensions between the two armies. The specially-designed drills were in keeping with the spirit of this year's summit at Wuhan between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to improve relations between the two militaries. The fortnight-long exercises concluded with mixed teams from both armies demonstrating seven rounds of different counter terrorism drills practiced by them since December 11. State-run TV channel CGTN livestreamed the concluding ceremony and the exercises highlighting their significance. The theme of the exercises which included live firing and demonstration of driving skills was to rescue hostages held by terrorists in an urban environment. The troops also showcased counter-terrorism tactics and skills, such as combat firing, and rope bridge crossing. The 2016 exercises held in Pune had focussed on counter terrorism exercises in non-urban areas. "During the exercises our soldiers and officers lived in the same rooms and ate on the same table," said an officer of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), briefing on the exercises in the CGTN telecast. The birthdays of a number of soldiers from both sides were also celebrated together. The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet Tomar took part in the exercises to foster closer ties between the two militaries which guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). China fielded its troops from the Tibetan military command. Each side deployed 113 troops and officers. The Indian contingent will leave for home on Sunday, the CGTN report said. "The aim of the Hand-in-Hand exercises is to build closer relations between the militaries of India and China. The exercises involve tactical-level operations in an international counter insurgency/counter terrorist environment as per UN mandate," a tweet by the Indian Embassy here said earlier. After the Doklam standoff and following the Wuhan summit, the two militaries made efforts to improve relations. Besides resuming the defence dialogue after the standoff, the two countries also held the 21st round of border talks. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the Special Representatives for the border talks, held discussions on November 24 in Chengdu during which they called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute. Earlier, the two sides held the ninth defence dialogue on November 13 led by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt General Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission.

Indian, Chinese armies conclude first military exercises post-Doklam

Air Forces of 14 nations conduct military drill in Northern Brazil

U.S troops perform military drill near Mexico Border

The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease.

The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills that were indefinitely suspended in June after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises often criticised by the North.

A spokesman for South Korea's Ministry of Defence confirmed a round of training would begin near the southern city of Pohang, with no media access expected.

About 500 American and South Korean marines will participate in the manoeuvres, the Yonhap news agency reported.

In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said Washington and Seoul would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended earlier this month, is one of several such exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang.

The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan -- another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea.

North Korea warned on Friday that it could restart development of its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions.

"The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency. "The US&nbsp;thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea."

North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities.

In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed more sharply for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries.

"As shown, the US&nbsp;is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," Friday's statement said.

American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up the nuclear arsenal he has already amassed, however, and Washington says it won't support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, meanwhile, has forged ahead with efforts to engage with North Korea in recent months, raising US&nbsp;concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease.

The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease. The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills that were indefinitely suspended in June after US President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises often criticised by the North. A spokesman for South Korea's Ministry of Defence confirmed a round of training would begin near the southern city of Pohang, with no media access expected. About 500 American and South Korean marines will participate in the manoeuvres, the Yonhap news agency reported. In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said Washington and Seoul would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended earlier this month, is one of several such exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang. The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan -- another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea. North Korea warned on Friday that it could restart development of its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions. "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency. "The US thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea." North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities. In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed more sharply for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries. "As shown, the US is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," Friday's statement said. American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up the nuclear arsenal he has already amassed, however, and Washington says it won't support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, meanwhile, has forged ahead with efforts to engage with North Korea in recent months, raising US concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

US, South Korea set delayed military drills; North Korea urges end to pressure

The armies of India and China will resume their annual bilateral military exercise 'Hand in Hand' in December, Army sources said Wednesday.

The drill will be held in China, the sources added.&nbsp;

The last 'Hand-in-Hand' exercise took place in Pune in 2016. However, the drill did not take place in 2017 due to tensions between the two armies over Doklam, where the forces of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off.&nbsp;

Doklam, in the Sikkim sector, is a strategically important area which is claimed by Bhutan. India has been acting as security guarantor to the tiny country in the sensitive region.

Post Doklam, India and China have been working to increase cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April.

In August, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe visited Delhi during which the two sides decided to work towards firming up a new bilateral pact on defence cooperation and agreed to increase interactions between their militaries at multiple levels to avoid Doklam-like standoffs along the disputed border.

In March, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said the annual India-China military exercise will resume, noting that the relationship between the two countries which had turned "sour" after the Doklam stand-off was now improving.

The "bonhomie" between the two forces was back, Rawat had said.&nbsp;

The armies of India and China will resume their annual bilateral military exercise 'Hand in Hand' in December, Army sources said Wednesday. The drill will be held in China, the sources added.

The armies of India and China will resume their annual bilateral military exercise 'Hand in Hand' in December, Army sources said Wednesday. The drill will be held in China, the sources added. The last 'Hand-in-Hand' exercise took place in Pune in 2016. However, the drill did not take place in 2017 due to tensions between the two armies over Doklam, where the forces of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off. Doklam, in the Sikkim sector, is a strategically important area which is claimed by Bhutan. India has been acting as security guarantor to the tiny country in the sensitive region. Post Doklam, India and China have been working to increase cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April. In August, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe visited Delhi during which the two sides decided to work towards firming up a new bilateral pact on defence cooperation and agreed to increase interactions between their militaries at multiple levels to avoid Doklam-like standoffs along the disputed border. In March, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said the annual India-China military exercise will resume, noting that the relationship between the two countries which had turned "sour" after the Doklam stand-off was now improving. The "bonhomie" between the two forces was back, Rawat had said.

Armies of India, China to resume annual military drill in December

Indian Army and Air Force have been carrying out joint military drill in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan for the past&nbsp;three days.

&#39;Hamesha Vijayee&#39; (always victorious) exercise&nbsp;is being conducted to gauge the offensive capability of the Indian military during land and sea battle.

The drill involves the Army&#39;s paratroop&nbsp;division along with Indian Air Force planes including AN 32 and helicopters along with cargo carriers.

In a statement, the army said: &quot;This exercise, which showcases a high degree of synergy between the Army and Air Force along with new-generation aviation assets of the Army, will be reviewed by a large number of senior officers of both the services to obtain inputs for further refinement of operational procedures.&quot;

&quot;The Southern Command undertakes such exercises at regular intervals to ensure a high degree of battle-readiness as well as validation of operational plans using modern weapons and equipment,&rdquo; the statement added.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat witnessed the drill on Thursday.

The drill involves the Army's paratroop?division along with Indian Air Force planes

Indian Army and Air Force have been carrying out joint military drill in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan for the past three days. 'Hamesha Vijayee' (always victorious) exercise is being conducted to gauge the offensive capability of the Indian military during land and sea battle. The drill involves the Army's paratroop division along with Indian Air Force planes including AN 32 and helicopters along with cargo carriers. In a statement, the army said: "This exercise, which showcases a high degree of synergy between the Army and Air Force along with new-generation aviation assets of the Army, will be reviewed by a large number of senior officers of both the services to obtain inputs for further refinement of operational procedures." "The Southern Command undertakes such exercises at regular intervals to ensure a high degree of battle-readiness as well as validation of operational plans using modern weapons and equipment,” the statement added. Army chief General Bipin Rawat witnessed the drill on Thursday.

Watch 'Hamesha Vijayee': Indian Air Force, Army conduct joint military drill in Rajasthan

The Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) and Third Division US Marines, took part in a live-fire joint exercise on Wednesday (Aug 16) in the northern Japanese city of Eniwa, Hokkaido, as part of Northern Viper 17-- the largest-scale military drill to be held between the two countries.

The exercise was also the first to be held in Hokkaido, as an effort to strengthen the US-Japan alliance by training together on unfamiliar ground.

Although the drills are not related to the latest tension on the Korean peninsula, it is taking place as unease between North Korea and the US are escalating and with US troops based in Okinawa, where the bulk of US forces in the region are based.

The 18-day live fire exercise which include rocket artillery drills and live-fire operations, will run through August 28 and will involve 3,500 troops.

Although the drills are not related to the latest tension on the Korean peninsula, it is taking place as unease between North Korea and the US are escalating

The Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) and Third Division US Marines, took part in a live-fire joint exercise on Wednesday (Aug 16) in the northern Japanese city of Eniwa, Hokkaido, as part of Northern Viper 17-- the largest-scale military drill to be held between the two countries. The exercise was also the first to be held in Hokkaido, as an effort to strengthen the US-Japan alliance by training together on unfamiliar ground. Although the drills are not related to the latest tension on the Korean peninsula, it is taking place as unease between North Korea and the US are escalating and with US troops based in Okinawa, where the bulk of US forces in the region are based. The 18-day live fire exercise which include rocket artillery drills and live-fire operations, will run through August 28 and will involve 3,500 troops.

US, Japan conduct joint military drill in Hokkaido

The United States and Philippines began Monday their main annual military exercises with a smaller number of troops than previous years and are limited to anti-terrorist operations and disaster response.

The 2017 edition of so-called Balikatan, the first one during the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s tenure, began with a ceremony at the headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo to the north of Manila, said the Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla.

Nearly 5,400 soldiers - including 2,800 Philippine and 2,600 US troops - will participate in these 12-day exercises.

The number of troops, joined by some Australian and Japanese soldiers, has been considerably reduced as compared to previous years, when 11,000 US and Philippine soldiers took part in the exercises.

The current edition of Balikatan will be restricted to anti-terrorist and disaster response operations only, explained the military spokesperson to EFE.

Manila has deployed its biggest warship in this manoeuvre which will focus on mass casualty evacuation, urban search and rescue, underwater demolition and anti-terrorism operations in Samar, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces.

During previous years, both armies practiced war situations with response exercises in the face of an invasion.

This edition does not even include exercises near the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing are embroiled in territorial disputes over the sovereignty issue.

The scaled-back exercises come after Duterte changed the Philippines&#39; foreign policy, distancing the country from Washington and aligning itself more with China with whom it has signed several cooperation agreements and has proposed strengthening defence ties.

Last week, three Chinese warships visited the Philippines - for the first time since 2010 - to &quot;bolster camaraderie and understanding between the two navies through naval diplomacy,&quot; according to the Armed Forces of the island country.

Balikatan has taken place every year since the US and the Philippines signed a mutual defence agreement in 1951.

Duterte agreed to it even though in October, during another program of joint manoeuvres, he promised that those would be the last ones to be conducted.

(EFE)

Nearly 5,400 soldiers - including 2,800 Philippine and 2,600 US troops - will participate in these 12-day exercises

The United States and Philippines began Monday their main annual military exercises with a smaller number of troops than previous years and are limited to anti-terrorist operations and disaster response. The 2017 edition of so-called Balikatan, the first one during the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's tenure, began with a ceremony at the headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo to the north of Manila, said the Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla. Nearly 5,400 soldiers - including 2,800 Philippine and 2,600 US troops - will participate in these 12-day exercises. The number of troops, joined by some Australian and Japanese soldiers, has been considerably reduced as compared to previous years, when 11,000 US and Philippine soldiers took part in the exercises. The current edition of Balikatan will be restricted to anti-terrorist and disaster response operations only, explained the military spokesperson to EFE. Manila has deployed its biggest warship in this manoeuvre which will focus on mass casualty evacuation, urban search and rescue, underwater demolition and anti-terrorism operations in Samar, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces. During previous years, both armies practiced war situations with response exercises in the face of an invasion. This edition does not even include exercises near the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing are embroiled in territorial disputes over the sovereignty issue. The scaled-back exercises come after Duterte changed the Philippines' foreign policy, distancing the country from Washington and aligning itself more with China with whom it has signed several cooperation agreements and has proposed strengthening defence ties. Last week, three Chinese warships visited the Philippines - for the first time since 2010 - to "bolster camaraderie and understanding between the two navies through naval diplomacy," according to the Armed Forces of the island country. Balikatan has taken place every year since the US and the Philippines signed a mutual defence agreement in 1951. Duterte agreed to it even though in October, during another program of joint manoeuvres, he promised that those would be the last ones to be conducted. (EFE)

US, Philippines begin small-scale military exercises

China and Nepal have agreed to conduct a military drill for the first time, an announcement that is likely to form worry lines in the Indian establishment.

The military exercise will be conducted next year, a move that will calcify a growing relationship between Nepal and China.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China and Nepal&nbsp;had been in &quot;initial communication&quot; about joint army exercises, and details would be announced in due time.

The ministry said on its website this would be the first joint military exercises between the two countries.

The Nepal government under Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has continued with its predecessor&nbsp;Khadga Prasad Oli&#39;s China outreach policy.

The past two Nepal administrations have been trying to lessen its heavy dependence on India by forging deals with Beijing.

There has been a growing murmur in powers of corridor about the need to renegotiate its India policy.

Currently, most of Nepal&#39;s deals with third countries is heavily reliant on New Delhi&#39;s largesse as its trade routes open into India.

Additionally, India and Nepal have enjoyed common cultural, military and religious ties.

But recent turbulence in India-Nepal relations have meant that New Delhi&#39;s once vice-like grip has relaxed as recent governments have looked towards China for more support.

However, the Prachanda administration has been careful&nbsp;to keep both India and China on-side. At the start of his reign, Prachanda dispatched envoys to both the countries -- in China&nbsp;to deepen economic ties and in India to assuage all concerns that had cropped under Oli&#39;s rule.

On December 27,&nbsp;Nepal&#39;s ambassador to India Deep Upadhyay said the joint military drill should not discomfit New Delhi as the engagement is on a &quot;small scale&quot;, Indian newspaper The Times of India reported.

&quot;Whichever way you look at it, Nepal has a special relationship with India and that&#39;s not going to change because of any such exercise,&quot; the ambassador further said.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

This will be the first joint military exercise between the two countries -- an endeavour that will likely strengthen their military ties

China and Nepal have agreed to conduct a military drill for the first time, an announcement that is likely to form worry lines in the Indian establishment. The military exercise will be conducted next year, a move that will calcify a growing relationship between Nepal and China. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said China and Nepal had been in "initial communication" about joint army exercises, and details would be announced in due time. The ministry said on its website this would be the first joint military exercises between the two countries. The Nepal government under Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has continued with its predecessor Khadga Prasad Oli's China outreach policy. The past two Nepal administrations have been trying to lessen its heavy dependence on India by forging deals with Beijing. There has been a growing murmur in powers of corridor about the need to renegotiate its India policy. Currently, most of Nepal's deals with third countries is heavily reliant on New Delhi's largesse as its trade routes open into India. Additionally, India and Nepal have enjoyed common cultural, military and religious ties. But recent turbulence in India-Nepal relations have meant that New Delhi's once vice-like grip has relaxed as recent governments have looked towards China for more support. However, the Prachanda administration has been careful to keep both India and China on-side. At the start of his reign, Prachanda dispatched envoys to both the countries -- in China to deepen economic ties and in India to assuage all concerns that had cropped under Oli's rule. On December 27, Nepal's ambassador to India Deep Upadhyay said the joint military drill should not discomfit New Delhi as the engagement is on a "small scale", Indian newspaper The Times of India reported. "Whichever way you look at it, Nepal has a special relationship with India and that's not going to change because of any such exercise," the ambassador further said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

China, Nepal to conduct military drill next year, raises concern in India

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