New Delhi: The Indian Army contingent today departed for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to participate in the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT. Scheduled from May 31 to June 13, 2025, the bilateral exercise aims to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both nations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, particularly under a United Nations mandate.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual joint military initiative conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The previous edition took place in Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024. This year, the Indian contingent of 45 personnel is primarily drawn from a battalion of the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS, known for their expertise in high-altitude operations. Their Mongolian counterparts from the 150 Special Forces unit will participate with a similar strength, reflecting a balanced partnership.
The core objective of the exercise is to enhance coordination and joint operational capability through a Platoon-level Field Training Exercise. Both contingents will engage in a wide range of tactical and combat drills including endurance training, reflex shooting, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. A key highlight of this edition is the inclusion of cyber warfare training modules, adding greater depth and complexity to the joint operation scenarios.
The training program is designed to facilitate mutual learning and knowledge-sharing, allowing troops to gain valuable insights from each other’s operational experience. The integration of contemporary warfare techniques in the exercise underscores the evolving nature of military cooperation between the two countries.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is not just a symbol of military synergy but also a reflection of the deep-rooted friendship and trust between India and Mongolia. It stands as a testament to both nations’ shared commitment to peace, security, and regional stability in Asia. Beyond the battlefield training, the exercise fosters cultural understanding and people-to-people engagement, reinforcing the India-Mongolia relationship as a cornerstone of regional partnership.