India and Mongolia have come together once again for the 17th edition of their annual joint military drill,‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’, which is currently being held at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar.
This exercise is aimed at improving coordination in challenging terrains and under UN peacekeeping scenario which highlights the growing defence partnership between the two countries.
India-Mongolia Military Drill Highlights Regional Security Cooperation
The Indian Army has announced the 17th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ between India and Mongolia is currently taking place at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
This joint training exercise, which began on May 31 and will continue until June 13, 2025, focuses on preparing both countries’ forces for non-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous areas, especially under United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
The goal is to improve the battle preparedness and coordination between the two armies.
During the drills, soldiers from both sides are sharing their best practices in counter terrorism tactics, precision sniping, and other key combat skills.
The idea is to improve teamwork and mutual compatibility so that the two forces can work effectively together in real-life situations.
The opening ceremony was attended by India’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Cotsurve, and Major General Lkhagvasuren Ganselem from the Mongolian side.
Both leaders praised the troops and expressed confidence that this training would help strengthen defence ties and build mutual understanding between the two countries.
This exercise is held every year, alternating between India and Mongolia. The previous edition was hosted in Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024.
This year, the Indian team includes 45 personnel, mostly from the Arunachal Scouts battalion, while the Mongolian side is represented by an equal number of soldiers from their Special Forces Unit 150.
The training covers a wide range of activities such as:
Counter terrorism operations in semi-mountainous areas
Endurance training
Reflex shooting and room-clearing drills
Small team tactics and rock craft
Cyber warfare exercises
The troops will also practice United Nations-style peacekeeping missions, simulating complex scenarios where soldiers from different countries must cooperate closely in high-stress environments.
‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ is aimed at boosting military skills, understanding, and promoting friendship between the armed forces of India and Mongolia.
