New Delhi/Ulaanbaatar – A contingent of the Indian Army has departed for the 17th edition of the annual joint military exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT. This year’s exercise will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from May 31 to June 13, 2025.
Held alternately in India and Mongolia, Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT serves as a vital platform for strengthening bilateral military ties. The previous edition of the exercise was successfully conducted in Umroi, Meghalaya, in July 2024.
The Indian contingent, comprising 45 personnel, is primarily drawn from a battalion of the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS, renowned for their operational expertise in mountainous terrain. Their Mongolian counterparts, a 150-strong unit from the Special Forces, will join them for two weeks of intense training and collaboration.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the two forces, focusing on joint task force operations in semi-conventional scenarios within semi-urban and mountainous environments under the United Nations mandate.
Key components of the exercise include:
- Platoon-level field training exercises
- Endurance drills
- Reflex shooting
- Room intervention techniques
- Small team tactics
In a significant evolution, this edition of NOMADIC ELEPHANT will also incorporate Cyber Warfare training, reflecting the growing relevance of digital threat landscapes in modern military operations.
Both sides will engage in knowledge exchange, sharing operational experiences and tactical insights, further deepening professional ties and mutual understanding.
Beyond its strategic and tactical dimensions, the exercise symbolizes the shared commitment of India and Mongolia to regional security, peace, and stability. It also highlights the broader spirit of defense diplomacy and cultural exchange that defines the India-Mongolia relationship.
As a testament to the enduring friendship and trust between the two nations, Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025 sets the stage for meaningful professional engagement and reinforces defense cooperation as a key pillar of their bilateral ties.
