The annual joint military exercise between India and Mongolia, known as “Nomadic Elephant,” is set to commence in Ulaanbaatar. This year’s exercise, Nomadic Elephant – 2023, will witness the participation of a contingent of 43 personnel from the Indian Army. The exercise aims to foster positive military relations, promote cooperation, and enhance the capabilities of both armies through the exchange of best practices and operational experiences.
A Legacy of Collaboration:
The Nomadic Elephant Exercise is a long-standing tradition of collaboration between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces. Since its inception in 2006, the exercise has been held annually, alternating between the two nations. Over the years, the joint exercise has proven to be a crucial platform for both armies to develop inter-operability, camaraderie, and lasting friendship.
Participating Units:
Nomadic Elephant 2023 will witness the convergence of soldiers from two distinguished military units. Representing the Mongolian Armed Forces will be Unit 084, while the Indian Army will be represented by soldiers from the esteemed Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment. This amalgamation of forces reflects the commitment of both nations to strengthen their mutual ties and reinforce regional security.
Fostering International Cooperation:
The primary objective of Nomadic Elephant – 2023 is to strengthen international cooperation and military diplomacy between India and Mongolia. By conducting joint exercises, both armies seek to build trust and understanding, laying the foundation for effective collaboration in future operations.
Focus on Counter-terrorism Operations:
The theme of this year’s exercise revolves around counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, which are highly challenging and demanding scenarios. Both India and Mongolia have faced threats of terrorism in their respective regions and share common concerns in dealing with such situations. By focusing on this theme under the United Nations mandate, the exercise aims to enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the troops in combating terrorism.
Training Activities:
The scope of Nomadic Elephant – 2023 involves Platoon level Field Training Exercises (FTX) that encompass a wide array of training activities. These activities are carefully designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of the participating troops. Some of the key training activities include endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training. Through these exercises, soldiers from both sides will have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and strengthen their tactical prowess.
Cultivating Interoperability:
Interoperability is a critical aspect of modern military operations, particularly in multinational scenarios. Nomadic Elephant – 2023 emphasizes the importance of joint operations and aims to enhance the interoperability of Indian and Mongolian forces. By developing a shared understanding of tactics, communication protocols, and logistics, the participating troops will be better prepared to operate seamlessly in combined missions.
A Bridge of Friendship:
Beyond the rigorous training and military objectives, the exercise also serves as a bridge of friendship between the two nations. Cultural exchanges and interactions between the soldiers foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions and values. Such interactions lay the groundwork for stronger diplomatic ties and promote goodwill between India and Mongolia.
Reflecting on Past Success:
The previous edition of Nomadic Elephant took place at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, in October 2019. The exercise showcased the dedication and professionalism of both the Indian and Mongolian forces and provided valuable insights into each other’s military practices.