The Indian Army contingent departed to participate in the multilateral joint military exercise --- Exercise Khaan Quest. The Exercise was conducted from 20 June to 3 July 2026 at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Exercise brought together military forces from across the world to collaborate and enhance interoperability in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted from 14-28 June 2025 in Mongolia.

The exercise first started as a bilateral event between the US and Mongolian Defence Forces in 2003. Subsequently, from 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a multilateral peacekeeping exercise, the current one being the 23nd iteration. The participation by an Indian contingent reflects India’s steadfast commitment to global peace and strategic partnership with Mongolia.

The Indian Army contingent comprised 40 personnel being represented by troops from a battalion of the Jaat regiment along with personnel from other arms and services.

The aim of Exercise Khaan Quest is to prepare contingents of participating defence forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multilateral environment. The exercise will focus on conduct of joint planning and tactical drills such as 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.

Exercise Khaan Quest will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conduct of joint operations. The exercise will facilitate operational readiness, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.