India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025 Begins in Ulaanbaatar

The Indian Army contingent has officially departed to participate in the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT, set to take place from 31st May to 13th June 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This joint training event reflects the deepening military cooperation between the two friendly nations and aims to enhance tactical and operational synergy between their armed forces.

Annual Defence Collaboration: A Symbol of Strategic Trust

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is a bilateral military exercise held annually, alternating between India and Mongolia. The previous edition of the exercise was successfully conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024. Each edition serves as a platform for both sides to engage in professional exchanges, combat training, and operational synchronization, especially in terrains relevant to both armies.

Indian Army Represented by Arunachal Scouts

This year, the Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, primarily drawn from the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS, an elite infantry regiment trained in high-altitude and mountainous warfare. Known for their toughness and adaptability, the Arunachal Scouts bring invaluable expertise to this joint engagement.

Mongolian Contingent: 150 Special Forces Personnel

The Mongolian Armed Forces will be represented by 150 troops from a Special Forces unit, mirroring the professional commitment from their Indian counterparts. This strong representation demonstrates Mongolia’s intent to further enhance operational ties and mutual learning through this joint venture.

Aims and Objectives: Enhancing Interoperability Under UN Mandate

The primary aim of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025 is to enhance interoperability between the two forces while employing a joint task force in semi-conventional operations, particularly in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, under a United Nations mandate. This aligns with both nations’ commitment to peacekeeping, multinational stability, and regional security.

Scope and Tactical Training Modules

The scope of the 2025 edition involves a Platoon-level Field Training Exercise (FTX). The participating soldiers will undergo a range of combat readiness and tactical drills, including:

• Endurance Training
• Reflex Shooting
• Room Intervention Techniques
• Small Team Tactics
• Rock Craft and Mountain Warfare Training

These activities are tailored to simulate real-world conditions of modern asymmetric warfare and are designed to boost combat readiness and mutual tactical understanding.

Cyber Warfare Integration: A Modern Strategic Dimension

In a significant development, the current edition of the exercise has incorporated components of Cyber Warfare. This move acknowledges the growing importance of the cyber domain in modern military operations, and aims to train troops to recognize, manage, and respond to cyber threats while operating in challenging field environments.

A Platform for Mutual Learning and Cultural Understanding

Beyond battlefield tactics, Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT also serves as a forum for cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. Troops from both countries will share operational experiences, learn new approaches to combat scenarios, and develop a deeper cultural appreciation through this intensive joint interaction.

Strengthening Bilateral Defence Cooperation

The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of India and Mongolia towards maintaining regional peace, stability, and security. It highlights the significance of India-Mongolia relations as a cornerstone of regional cooperation, and the mutual desire to advance defence capabilities through sustained and meaningful collaboration.

A Testament to Enduring Friendship and Strategic Partnership

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring bond between India and Mongolia, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared values. It symbolizes their joint pursuit of professional military engagement, and the broadening scope of strategic defence partnerships in Asia.