Context
- The 18th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
About NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026
- NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual platoon-level joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces, alternately in India and Mongolia.
- Origin: The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the two countries.
- Participants: 45 personnel each from the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces are participating.
- Objective: To enhance joint military capability for Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.
Key Training Areas
- Tactical Operations: Exchange of best practices and refinement of operational drills.
- Counter-Insurgency: Cordon and Search Operations and Room Intervention Drills.
- Special Operations: Special Heliborne Operations.
- Emerging Technologies: Cyber Security Training, drones and counter-drone systems.
Significance
- Enhances interoperability and operational coordination between the Indian and Mongolian forces.
- Provides troops with an opportunity to train in realistic operational scenarios and share best practices.
- Strengthens defence cooperation and mutual trust between India and Mongolia.
Conclusion
NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 strengthens the longstanding defence partnership between India and Mongolia while enhancing the two armies’ ability to conduct joint operations in challenging terrain.