DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
New Delhi, july 3
The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. Scheduled from July 3rd to 16th, 2024, this exercise marks a significant annual training event, conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. Last year’s edition took place in Mongolia in July 2023.
The Indian contingent, represented by 45 personnel from a Battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS and other arms and services, is collaborating with the Mongolian contingent, which includes personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.
The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army. The primary objective of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is to enhance the joint military capability of both nations to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.
The tactical drills planned for this exercise include a wide array of operations such as response to a terrorist action, establishment of a joint command post, setting up of an intelligence and surveillance centre, securing a helipad or landing site, small team insertion and extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, and the employment of drones and counter-drone systems, among others. These drills aim to simulate real-life scenarios to better prepare the forces for potential threats.
Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on July 16th, 2024, along with Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army. Their presence underscores the importance of this exercise in fostering military cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT serves as a platform for both armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. This annual exercise not only enhances interoperability between the two forces but also fosters bonhomie and camaraderie, further strengthening the defence cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Mongolia.
Through such collaborative efforts, both nations aim to augment their strategic partnership and develop a robust framework for addressing common security challenges. The continued success of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Mongolia.
