• The Nepali Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have launched the fourth edition of their biennial military exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025, in Kathmandu.
• Running until 16 September 2025, the exercise focuses on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.
• The joint drill involves mixed teams from both sides engaging in practical training, cultural exchange, and sports activities to build interoperability and trust.
• Initiated in 2017, the exercise alternates between Nepal and China, symbolising the strengthening of defence and strategic ties.
• China’s influence in Nepal has grown since the 2015 India-led blockade, expanding into political, economic, and defence cooperation. Projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, such as railways and hydroelectric plants, have deepened Nepal’s economic reliance on China.
• However, China’s growing role in Nepal carries geopolitical implications for India, raising concerns over strategic encirclement and reduced regional influence.
• Additionally, a territorial dispute over Nepal’s northwestern region, highlighted in China’s new map, poses fresh challenges despite expanding bilateral cooperation.