Context:

  • The Indian Army contingent recently left for Mongolia to take part in the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT.
  • This annual exercise, happening from May 31st to June 13th, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, highlights the strong defense cooperation between the two nations.

ABOUT EXERCISE NOMADIC ELEPHANT

  • What it is: It is an annual joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces.
  • Frequency and Location: It's an annual event, meaning it happens every year. The location alternates between India and Mongolia.
    • The previous (16th) edition was held in July 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya, India.
    • The current (17th) edition (2025) is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
  • Participants:
    • Indian Contingent: Comprises 45 personnel, mainly from a battalion of the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS.
    • Mongolian Contingent: Also has a similar strength, represented by their 150 Special Forces unit.

AIMS & SCOPE OF THE EXERCISE

  • Primary Aim: To improve how well the two forces can work together (interoperability). This is done by practicing as a joint task force in specific types of operations.
  • Operational Focus: The exercise simulates semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.
  • Mandate: The operations are conducted under a United Nations (UN) mandate, meaning they practice scenarios that might occur during UN peacekeeping missions.
  • Training Activities (Scope): The exercise involves training at the Platoon level Field Training Exercise and includes a variety of activities:
    • Endurance training (physical stamina).
    • Reflex shooting.
    • Room intervention (clearing buildings).
    • Small team tactics.
    • Rock craft training (skills for moving in rocky terrain).
  • New Addition: For the first time, aspects related to Cyber Warfare are being included in this edition to make the exercise more complex and relevant to modern threats.
  • Learning from Each Other: Soldiers from both sides will share and learn from each other's experiences in real-world operations.