On July 16, 2023, a contingent of 43 personnel from the Indian Army embarked on a journey to Mongolia to take part in the 15th edition of the bilateral joint military exercise named “Nomadic Elephant-2023”.
The exercise, aimed at strengthening military ties and fostering cooperation, is scheduled to be conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from July 17 to July 31, 2023. This annual training event, alternately held in Mongolia and India, last took place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh in October 2019.
The participating Indian Army soldiers belong to the esteemed JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment, while their Mongolian counterparts are part of the Armed Forces Unit 084. The Indian Army contingent reached Ulaanbaatar on July 16, 2023, via an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft, marking the commencement of the exercises.
The primary objective of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23 is to establish positive military relations between the two nations, promote the exchange of best practices, and enhance inter-operability, camaraderie, and friendship between the participating armies. The exercise will particularly focus on honing the skills required for counter-terrorism operations in challenging mountainous terrains, falling under the mandate of the United Nations.
The exercise’s scope encompasses a Platoon level Field Training Exercise (FTX), during which Indian and Mongolian troops will partake in various training activities specifically designed to enhance their capabilities.
These activities include endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. The soldiers from both nations will have the opportunity to learn from each other’s operational experiences, thereby enriching their tactical knowledge.
The joint military exercise holds significant importance, as it reflects the shared commitment of India and Mongolia towards regional security and cooperation. Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23 is expected to further strengthen the defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Army, leading to the consolidation of bilateral relations between the two nations.
As the exercise progresses over the next two weeks, it is anticipated that the participating troops will not only deepen their military expertise but also forge lasting bonds of friendship, contributing to the mutual growth and security of India and Mongolia.
