Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The 17th edition of the joint military exercise between India and Mongolia, titled ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’, officially commenced in Ulaanbaatar on Monday. The annual bilateral exercise is part of ongoing defence cooperation between the two nations and is aimed at strengthening strategic ties, improving interoperability, and sharing tactical expertise.
The Indian Army contingent participating in the exercise comprises troops from a specialized Infantry battalion, while the Mongolian side includes personnel from their elite armed forces units. The drill will include a series of joint training activities such as tactical exercises, joint planning, and execution of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.
The exercise is designed to enhance mutual understanding and operational synergy in various combat situations including peacekeeping operations. Over the course of the next two weeks, troops will train in simulated environments designed to reflect real-world combat scenarios. The focus will be on coordination, information sharing, small unit tactics, and urban warfare strategies.
According to officials, this year's edition of Nomadic Elephant will place a strong emphasis on joint drills related to high-altitude warfare, considering Mongolia’s challenging terrain and climatic conditions. Both nations are expected to share valuable operational experiences, particularly in conducting missions in remote and mountainous regions.
The Nomadic Elephant exercise has been a key part of India-Mongolia defence cooperation since its inception in 2004. Over the years, the scope of the exercise has evolved significantly, highlighting the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar. India considers Mongolia a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and both countries share common interests in promoting peace, stability, and democratic values.
Apart from the military dimension, the exercise serves as a symbol of the growing ties between the two countries. It is also a testimony to India's "Act East" policy and its commitment to strengthening relations with friendly nations in the region. The defence engagement is expected to contribute to broader regional security and foster greater understanding between the armed forces.
Defence analysts see this collaboration as part of a larger effort by both nations to counter emerging security challenges and promote international peacekeeping. It also provides an opportunity for the armed forces to exchange knowledge, enhance professional relationships, and improve joint readiness for potential future missions under UN mandates.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has reiterated its commitment to deepening military-to-military ties with Mongolia and expanding the scope of such engagements in the future. The ongoing exercise will conclude with a joint validation exercise demonstrating the skills and tactics developed over the training period.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, such bilateral engagements underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
