India and Mongolia Joint Military Exercise

Context

India and Mongolia are currently conducting the 17th edition of their annual joint military exercise, Nomadic Elephant 2025, which is being held at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from May 31 to June 13, 2025. This exercise is a significant component of the institutionalized military collaboration between the two countries, aimed at strengthening their defence ties and enhancing operational capabilities.

Background and Significance

• Historical Context: The Nomadic Elephant exercise has been held annually since 2006, alternating between India and Mongolia. The previous edition took place in July 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya, India.
• Strategic Importance: This exercise underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and Mongolia, reflecting their shared interest in regional security and peacekeeping under the United Nations framework.

Objectives of the Exercise

• Improving Interoperability: The major intent is to enhance interoperability among Indian and Mongolian troops so that they can work together in challenging terrains and environments effectively.
• emphasis on Non-Conventional Operations: The exercise is focused on non-conventional operations in mountainous and semi-urban terrain, replicating actual conditions encountered in counter-terror and peace missions.
• United Nations Mandate: Activities are done pursuant to a United Nations mandate (Chapter VII), which permits military and non-military actions for international peace enforcement, highlighting the exercise’s peacekeeping aspect.

Key Elements and Training Activities

• Counter-Terrorism Operations: Forces perform tactical training in counter-terrorism operations such as precision sniping, reflex shooting, and room intervention.
• Mountain and Semi-Urban Warfare: Training includes endurance, small unit tactics, rock craft, and semi-mountainous operations, making forces capable of adapting to varied environmental conditions.
• Cyber Warfare: The exercise further encompasses elements of cyber warfare, in line with the dynamic nature of contemporary warfare.
• Simulated UN Peacekeeping Operations: A key component of the exercise simulates multinational peacekeeping operations, making both forces capable of working together under challenging scenarios.

Participants and Leadership

• The Indian team consists of about 45 troops drawn primarily from a battalion of Arunachal Scouts.
• The Mongolian team consists of a 150-strong Special Forces unit2.
• The ceremonial opening was witnessed by India’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, and Mongolia’s Major General Lkhagvasuren Ganselem, who highlighted the exercise’s role in reinforcing mutual understanding and defence cooperation.

Outcomes and Strategic Benefits

• Operational Readiness: The exercise enhances the operational readiness of both armies, improving their ability to respond to contemporary security challenges.
• Knowledge Exchange: Both contingents actively share best practices and combat experiences, fostering mutual learning and tactical refinement.
• Cultural Exchange and Camaraderie: Beyond military training, the exercise promotes cultural sharing, strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual respect between soldiers.
• Future Collaboration: Lessons learned during the exercise are expected to inform and improve future joint operations, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Conclusion

The Nomadic Elephant 2025 exercise is a vital platform for India and Mongolia to deepen their defence relationship, enhance military interoperability, and prepare for joint operations under international mandates. By focusing on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and operations in challenging terrains, the exercise contributes to regional stability and showcases the commitment of both nations to collaborative security efforts.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the significance of India-Mongolia defence cooperation in the context of regional geopolitics and India’s broader foreign policy objectives. (250 words)

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