The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced today at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya). Scheduled from 03rd to 16th July 2024, the exercise brings together a contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Army’s SIKKIM SCOUTS battalion, alongside members from various other arms and services. Representing Mongolia, personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army are participating in the training event. NOMADIC ELEPHANT, held annually alternating between India and Mongolia, last took place in Mongolia in July 2023.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of 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. Focused on enhancing joint military capabilities, the exercise aims to prepare both sides for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain scenarios under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Tactical drills include Response to a Terrorist Action, Establishment of a Joint Command Post, Intelligence & Surveillance Centre setup, Helipad/Landing Site securing, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon & Search Operations, and deployment of Drones and Counter-Drone Systems, among others.
Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on 16th July 2024, along with Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army.