The 17th edition of the joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant 2025 between India and Mongolia is currently underway at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar.
Focused on the conduct of non-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate, the exercise aims to enhance the operational capabilities of both the forces.
The participating contingents are actively exchanging best practices in counter-terrorism operations and precision sniping, thereby improving interoperability. Through joint drills, both forces are working to strengthen their ability to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges.
This joint exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation between India and Mongolia. Extensive training activities are being conducted to bolster mutual coordination and preparedness. Troops from both countries are refining their operational tactics and developing the ability to operate in complex terrains and environments. A key feature of the exercise includes simulated UN peacekeeping operations, designed to mirror real-world scenarios where multinational forces must collaborate efficiently in diverse and challenging conditions.
As the exercise progresses, both sides are engaging in a variety of tactical drills, sharing combat experiences and exchanging valuable knowledge and expertise. These engagements are instrumental in building interoperability and ensuring that Indian and Mongolian forces can operate seamlessly in future peacekeeping or humanitarian missions.
In addition to tactical training, Nomadic Elephant places strong emphasis on fostering cultural understanding and camaraderie between participating troops. Soldiers from both nations have had the opportunity to showcase elements of their respective cultural heritages, strengthening the bond of friendship and mutual respect. This cultural exchange plays a vital role in developing enduring ties between the two forces.
The exercise also lays emphasis on key lessons likely to emerge in order to improve future joint operations. This collaboration not only boosts the defence capabilities of India and Mongolia but also reaffirms their shared commitment to promoting peace, security and stability in the region.