Meghalaya, India – The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT, a significant event in the bilateral relations between India and Mongolia, commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, in the north east Indian state of Meghalaya. The exercise, scheduled from July 3 to July 16, 2024, aims to bolster joint military capabilities and enhance cooperation between the two nations, thereby strengthening their strategic partnership.
The Indian contingent, represented by a battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS and personnel from other arms and services, comprises 45 personnel. The Mongolian contingent includes personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army. This annual training event alternates between India and Mongolia, with the previous edition being held in Mongolia in July 2023.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of His Excellency Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT, a crucial training event, focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The tactical drills planned for the exercise include responses to terrorist actions, establishing a joint command post, setting up an intelligence and surveillance center, securing helipads or landing sites, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, and the use of drones and counter-drone systems. These drills are designed to improve the readiness and effectiveness of the participating contingents in handling various security challenges.
The closing ceremony, scheduled for July 16, 2024, will be attended by Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, and Lieutenant General Zubin A. Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT provides a platform for both armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. It also aims to enhance interoperability, camaraderie, and defense cooperation between India and Mongolia, further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
