Defence Secretary Visits Mongolia for Exercises Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh along with director general operational logistics and strategic movement, Lt Gen. Pushpendra Singh attended the closing ceremony the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military Exercise Nomadic Elephant at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 13.

The Indian Army contingent, comprising 45 personnel predominantly from a battalion of the Arunachal Scouts, participated in the two-week-long exercise. The focus of the joint training was to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces while operating as a combined task force in semi-conventional scenarios in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under United Nations mandate.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the defence secretary commended the professionalism, dedication and conduct of the Indian soldiers during the exercise. He said that this exercise is a testament to the enduring bond of friendship, mutual trust and shared cultural linkages between India and Mongolia. It served as a platform for meaningful military cooperation and demonstrate India’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability. He further added that the Indian Army’s contribution to such joint initiatives not only enhances operational readiness but also reinforces India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in global peacekeeping efforts.

Singh also attended the opening ceremony of the multinational joint military Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 at the same location on June 14, in which Indian Army contingent was also one of the participants. Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 was held from June 14 to 28.

Exercise Khaan Quest: The exercise brought together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. First started as a bilateral event between the US and Mongolian armed forces in 2003, from 2006 onwards Khaan Quest graduated to a multinational peacekeeping exercise with current year being its 22nd edition.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel was represented mainly by troops from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. One woman officer and two women soldiers were also part of the contingent. The aim of the exercise is to prepare Indian armed forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The exercise focusses on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Tactical drills practiced during the exercise included establishment of static and mobile check points, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile area, counter improvised explosive device drills, combat first aid and casualty evacuation, among others.

The conduct of exercises Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest marks a milestone in India’s expanding defence diplomacy and underscores the strategic importance of its partnership with Mongolia.