The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant officially concluded on 13th June 2025, in Ulaanbaatar. The concluding ceremony was attended by the Defence Secretary of India, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, Director General Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement.
This bilateral exercise, conducted over two weeks, brought together a contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Army, primarily comprising troops of the Arunachal Scouts, a specialized unit trained for operations in mountainous and high-altitude terrain. The Indian Army operated alongside the Mongolian Armed Forces, focusing on enhancing interoperability, combat coordination, and operational readiness in semi-conventional warfare scenarios.
Nomadic Elephant 2025: Elevating Bilateral Military Cooperation To New Heights
The joint training was executed under a simulated United Nations Peacekeeping mandate, aimed at preparing both forces for collaborative operations in semi-urban and high-altitude conditions.
The primary objective of Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025 was to refine and standardize joint tactical operations, facilitate cultural and strategic exchange, and develop mutual trust between the two armed forces. Through a series of counter-insurgency drills, combat simulations, and strategic planning exercises, both contingents worked in sync to promote bilateral military cooperation.
Indian Defence Secretary Underscores India’s Commitment to Regional Security
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, applauded the professionalism and steadfast discipline exhibited by the Indian contingent.
“Exercise Nomadic Elephant stands as a symbol of the strong strategic partnership between India and Mongolia. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to regional stability, peacekeeping operations, and the pursuit of global security.” – Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, India
The Defence Secretary went on to add that India remains a responsible stakeholder in global military diplomacy, and through such joint exercises, the Indian Army reinforces its role in multilateral frameworks focused on peacekeeping operations. The Defence Secretary also underlined the fact that the exercise exemplifies the mutual respect, cultural affinity, and geopolitical trust that exists between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar.
Nomadic Elephant: Diplomacy through Strategic Military Exercise
The first edition of the Nomadic Elephant was held in 2004, which has, since then, evolved into a crucial pillar of India-Mongolia defense cooperation. These military engagements are instrumental in capacity building, doctrine sharing, and joint mission preparedness, particularly in rugged and high-altitude regions that are of strategic interest to both nations. The Indian Army’s deployment of the Arunachal Scouts, renowned for their adaptability and endurance in mountainous warfare, adds operational value to the combined force structure.
The successful completion of this exercise demonstrates India’s expanding role in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asian security dynamics. As noted by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, these joint initiatives contribute to a broader goal of multi-national cooperation under the United Nations framework.
Participation in Multinational Exercise Khaan Quest 2025
Following the conclusion of Nomadic Elephant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is scheduled to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Multinational Military Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 on June 15 at the same location. The Indian Army will again be represented, joining multiple nations in this premier event hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces in partnership with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Exercise Khaan Quest 2025, slated to run from 14 to 28 June 2025, is among the largest multilateral peacekeeping training exercises in the region. It brings together troops from over 20 countries, promoting interoperability in UN peacekeeping operations, combined arms training, and humanitarian assistance simulations.
Strategic Significance of India-Mongolia Military Relations
The concurrent participation of Indian forces in both Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest underlines India’s continued emphasis on defense diplomacy, strategic outreach, and military preparedness across Asia. These exercises enhance India’s soft power influence while ensuring that its armed forces remain adept in coalition operations, which are increasingly vital in the era of multi-domain warfare.
The India-Mongolia defence relationship, nurtured under the broader Act East Policy, serves as a key component of India’s outreach to East and Central Asia. This cooperation spans military training, capacity development, border security collaboration, and counter-terrorism strategies.
The Way Ahead
Over the past year, the Indian Armed Forces have attended several joint military exercises, such as India-Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise Dustlik-Vi, India-Vietnam Joint Military Exercise VINBAX, the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI, to name a few. The recent participation in the Nomadic Elephant is but a crucial step in India’s defense diplomacy and outreach to further strengthen its role in regional security parameters.
The culmination of Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025 reaffirms the strength and vitality of India-Mongolia defense ties. As India prepares for a robust participation in Exercise Khaan Quest 2025, the Indian Army continues to play a leading role in fostering international military collaboration and ensuring peace and stability across borders.
