Indian Army Participates in Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 in Mongolia

A 40-member Indian Army contingent arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on June 11, 2025, to participate in the 22nd edition of Exercise Khaan Quest, a multinational peacekeeping military exercise to be held from June 14 to 28. The exercise aims to boost interoperability and operational readiness among the participating nations’ armed forces for peacekeeping missions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

Why in News?

The Indian Army joined over a dozen nations in Mongolia for Exercise Khaan Quest 2025, a prominent multinational training drill focused on U.N. peacekeeping operations. The exercise begins on June 14, 2025, and comes at a time when the importance of global peacekeeping missions is growing due to geopolitical instability.

Aims and Objectives

• Enhance peacekeeping capabilities of participating nations in a multinational environment.
• Improve interoperability, coordination, and combat readiness for operations under U.N. mandates.
• Provide hands-on training in real-world conflict simulation scenarios.

Background of Khaan Quest

• Started in 2003 as a bilateral drill between the U.S. and Mongolia.
• Became a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006.
• Khaan Quest 2025 is the 22nd edition.
• Held annually in Mongolia; the 2024 edition ran from July 27 to August 9.

Indian Contingent Details

• Comprises 40 personnel, mainly from the Kumaon Regiment.
• Includes one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting India’s push for gender inclusion in peacekeeping roles.
• Supported by other arms and services of the Indian Army.

Key Tactical Drills and Activities

• Static and mobile checkpoint establishment.
• Cordon and search operations in simulated hostile environments.
• Patrolling operations.
• Civilian evacuation from conflict zones.
• Combat First Aid and Casualty Evacuation.
• Counter-IED drills for handling explosive threats.

Global Significance

• Participation reaffirms India’s strong commitment to U.N. Peacekeeping.
• Enhances India’s standing in international military cooperation.
• Trains troops in multinational coordination, which is vital in crisis response scenarios.
• Strengthens India–Mongolia military relations.