India strengthens strategic defence ties with Mongolia at joint military exercise

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh champions emerging technology collaboration and gender inclusion, paving the way for enhanced regional security

New Delhi: India is strengthening its military and strategic ties in the region. In Ulaanbaatar, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Brigadier General Gankhuyag Devadorj, Mongolia’s State Secretary of Defence, to discuss enhanced collaboration and the adoption of emerging technology within defence operations. The meeting took place during the closing ceremony of the 17th India-Mongolia joint military exercise “Nomadic Elephant,” highlighting the growing convergence of interests between the two nations.

The “Nomadic Elephant” exercise, which ran from May 31 to June 13 in Ulaanbaatar, showcased the commitment and professionalism of both Indian and Mongolian troops. The event was attended by senior military officials, including Mongolia’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff and India’s Ambassador to Mongolia, among others. Last year, a similar edition of the exercise was held in Umroi, Meghalaya, demonstrating an ongoing and evolving defence partnership.

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Following the joint exercise, India has deployed a 40-member Army contingent including troops predominantly from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment to participate in the multinational military exercise “Khaan Quest” from June 14 to 28. The delegation features personnel from various arms and services, with a notable inclusion of one woman officer and two women soldiers, underscoring India’s commitment to gender inclusion. The exercise aims to prepare armed forces for international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations Charter by focusing on joint planning, physical fitness, tactical drills, and operations like establishing checkpoints, conducting patrolling and search operations, counter-improvised explosive device drills, and managing combat first aid and casualty evacuation.

This renewed focus on defence collaboration not only bolsters operational readiness but also fosters greater interoperability and camaraderie among the participating countries, paving the way for increased regional stability and a shared commitment to peace and security.