The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant began yesterday at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise, scheduled from 3rd to 16th of this month, 2024, involves 45 Indian personnel from the Sikkim Scouts and other arms, and personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.
This annual training event alternates between India and Mongolia; the previous edition was in Mongolia in July 2023. The opening ceremony was attended by Mongolian Ambassador to India, Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, and Major General Prasanna Joshi of the Indian
Army.
The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations under the UN mandate, focusing on semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Tactical drills include responses to terrorist actions, joint command post establishment, intelligence and surveillance, securing landing sites, and special operations.
The closing ceremony will be attended by Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla of the Indian Army and Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev of Mongolia. The exercise fosters interoperability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between India and Mongolia.