Mongolia’s Armed Forces Chief is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on July 16, 2024
When contingents of the Indian and Mongolian armed forces gathered at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya earlier this week, it marked the beginning of the 16th edition of the joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant’.
 
Scheduled to run from July 3 to July 16, 2024, this exercise marks another significant step in the ongoing defence cooperation between India and Mongolia.
 
The Indian contingent, comprising 45 personnel, is represented by a battalion of the Sikkim Scouts, along with members from other arms and services. The Mongolian contingent includes personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army. Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual event, alternately hosted by India and Mongolia. The previous edition took place in Mongolia in July 2023.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Mongolia to India Dambajavyn Ganbold and General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army Major General Prasanna Joshi. Their presence underscored the importance both nations place on this collaborative effort.
 
According to information shared by India’s Ministry of Defence, the primary aim of the exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. This year's focus is on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains, reflecting the diverse challenges both armies face.

Tactical drills during the exercise include a wide range of scenarios. Participants will engage in responses to terrorist actions, establish a joint command post, and set up an intelligence and surveillance centre. They will also practice securing helipads or landing sites, conduct small team insertion and extraction operations, and execute special heliborne operations. Other drills include cordon and search operations, along with the employment of drones and counter-drone systems.
 
The inclusion of these comprehensive tactical drills aims to prepare the soldiers for real-world scenarios, enhancing their readiness and operational effectiveness. The exercise also features important lectures on counterterrorism and counter-insurgency, along with practical demonstrations and drills. These activities are designed to foster a deeper understanding and cooperation between the two armies.

Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on July 16, 2024. He will be joined by Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army. Their participation will mark the culmination of two weeks of rigorous training and mutual learning.
 
Exercise Nomadic Elephant provides an invaluable platform for both the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces to share best practices, tactics, and operational procedures. It offers an opportunity for both forces to learn from each other's experiences and improve their tactical skills, joint planning, and execution of operations in diverse terrains.

The regular interaction and joint training activities help in developing interoperability, camaraderie, and bonhomie between the soldiers of the two nations. This enhances the level of defence cooperation, further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Mongolia.
 
In conclusion, Exercise Nomadic Elephant represents a significant milestone in the defence relations between India and Mongolia. It underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance their military capabilities and cooperation. The joint training activities, tactical drills, and mutual learning experiences gained from this exercise will undoubtedly contribute to the operational readiness and effectiveness of both armies. 

As the exercise progresses, it will continue to foster a spirit of cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces.