The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise, “Nomadic Elephant,” concluded in Ulaanbaatar with a grand closing ceremony, highlighting the evolving defense partnership between the two nations.
India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who served as the Guest of Honour, presided over the ceremony along with key dignitaries such as Mongolia’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Baatar Baljid, India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul M. Gotsurve, and Lieutenant General Puspendra Singh, Director General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement.
The exercise, which started earlier this month, saw the participation of 45 personnel from India’s Arunachal Scouts and 150 troops from Mongolia’s Special Forces. Throughout the drills, both sides engaged in joint tactical training and cultural exchanges aimed at reinforcing military cooperation and fostering mutual understanding.
In his address, Defence Secretary Singh commended the discipline and synergy exhibited by both contingents, underlining the importance of such exercises in promoting regional peace and strategic collaboration. The ceremony included formal honors, group photographs, and a symbolic display of the Indian and Mongolian flags against the backdrop of Ulaanbaatar’s rugged hills.
Launched in 2004, “Nomadic Elephant” has evolved into a principal platform for military engagement, reflecting the strategic elevation of India-Mongolia relations since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015. The recent 12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting in May 2024 has further solidified this momentum, paving the way for enhanced defense cooperation.
Mongolia’s strategic location between Russia and China adds a unique geopolitical dimension to the partnership. Experts have noted that India’s expanding military presence and aid, as highlighted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in 2024, may help balance regional power dynamics.
The successful completion of this year’s exercise not only showcases the growing interoperability between the two armed forces but also sets a robust foundation for future collaborations in regional security and defense.
