Key Highlights
- Exercise Name: Nomadic Elephant – 17th Edition
- Dates: May 31 – June 13, 2025
- Location: Special Forces Training Centre, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Objectives & Focus Areas
- Enhancing Interoperability:
Improve coordination and cooperation between Indian and Mongolian forces. - Operational Focus:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Precision sniping
- Non-conventional warfare in semi-urban and mountainous terrain
- Under UN Mandate:
Simulated peacekeeping operations modeled on real-world multinational missions.
Strategic Significance
- Bilateral Defence Ties:
Strengthens growing India-Mongolia defence cooperation. - Geopolitical Relevance:
- Mongolia is strategically located between China and Russia.
- India’s engagement signals deepening security presence in East and Central Asia under its “Act East” and “Extended Neighbourhood” policy.
- Alternating Venue Format:
Conducted annually, alternating between India and Mongolia. Last held in Umroi, Meghalaya (July 2024).
Operational and Tactical Gains
- Terrain Familiarization:
Training in complex terrain enhances high-altitude warfare capabilities. - Best Practices Exchange:
Mutual learning on counter-insurgency tactics and sniping techniques. - UN Peacekeeping Readiness:
Enhances the ability to operate in multinational settings and high-stakes environments.
People-to-People & Cultural Exchange
- Camaraderie Building:
Emphasis on cultural understanding and military bonding between troops. - Confidence Building Measure (CBM):
Strengthens trust and long-term collaboration beyond military.
