The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT concluded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking a significant step in defense cooperation between the two nations. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, Director General Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement, attended the closing ceremony, commending the professionalism and dedication of the Indian Army contingent, which comprised 45 personnel from the Arunachal Scouts battalion.
The two-week-long exercise focused on enhancing interoperability between the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces, preparing them to operate as a combined task force in semi-conventional scenarios within semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The Defence Secretary emphasized the deep-rooted friendship, mutual trust, and shared cultural linkages between India and Mongolia, highlighting the exercise as a testament to India’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
Singh stated that India’s participation in such joint initiatives reinforces its role as a responsible stakeholder in global peacekeeping efforts, ensuring operational readiness and strategic cooperation. The exercise also served as a platform for meaningful military collaboration, strengthening India’s defense diplomacy in the region.
Following the conclusion of NOMADIC ELEPHANT, Singh is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Multinational Joint Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, which will be conducted from June 14 to June 28 in Ulaanbaatar. The Indian Army contingent will also participate in KHAAN QUEST, further expanding India’s military engagement with global partners.
The successful conduct of Exercises NOMADIC ELEPHANT and KHAAN QUEST underscores the strategic importance of India’s partnership with Mongolia, reinforcing bilateral defense cooperation and regional security efforts.
