Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. India-Mongolia joint exercise Nomadic Elephant-2018, commenced at Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) Five Hills Training Area, Ullanbaatar, Mongolia on September 10 with a brief but impressive opening ceremony.

The 12-day long joint exercise would be conducted from September 10 to 21.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual, bilateral exercise since 2006 which is designed to strengthen the partnership between Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces. The exercise would see them improve their tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under United Nations mandate.

The Indian contingent is represented by a contingent of 17 PUNJAB Regiment while the Mongolian contingent is represented by Unit 084 of the Mongolian Armed Forces.

Major General J Badambazar, Mongolian Army welcomed the Indian soldiers and in his inaugural remarks highlighted the common shared beliefs of freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both nations.

The opening ceremony started with briefing on Army organization and country presentation including display of weapons and equipment at sub-unit level.

During the exercise both sides would jointly train, plan and execute a series of well developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Experts from both sides would also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied topics for mutual benefits.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant-2018 would contribute immensely in developing mutual understanding & respect for each other’s military and also facilitate in tackling the world wide phenomenon of terrorism.