How Are India and Mongolia Strengthening Their Defence Relations?

New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) In a crucial effort to enhance New Delhi's extensive outreach in East and Central Asia, India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Brigadier General Gankhuyag Devadorj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Mongolia, during his ongoing visit to Ulaanbaatar.

The talks highlighted the increasing alignment in strategic interests between India and Mongolia, covering a broad spectrum of strategic themes aimed at strengthening defence relations, with a particular focus on collaboration in new and emerging technology sectors.

This meeting coincided with the closing ceremony of the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant'.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar attended the closing ceremony as Guest of Honour in Ulaanbaatar. He was joined by Brigadier General Baatar Baljid, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Mongolia; Atul M Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia; and Lieutenant General Puspendra Singh, Director General, Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement. He praised the professionalism demonstrated by both Indian and Mongolian troops, referring to the exercise as a representation of their growing defence collaboration and shared dedication to regional peace.

The joint military exercise took place in Ulaanbaatar from May 31 to June 13, with the previous edition having been conducted in Meghalaya's Umroi last year.

Additionally, India has sent a 40-member Army contingent to Ulaanbaatar for the upcoming Multinational Military Exercise 'Khaan Quest', set to occur from June 14 to 28. The Indian contingent primarily comprises troops from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other branches and services.

Importantly, this contingent includes one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting India's commitment to gender inclusion in defence operations. The exercise aims to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational context, thereby boosting interoperability and military readiness for peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The exercise will emphasize physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills, including establishing static and mobile checkpoints, conducting cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuating civilians from hostile zones, countering improvised explosive devices, and providing combat first aid and casualty evacuation.

Exercise Khaan Quest will allow participating nations to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations, fostering interoperability, camaraderie, and goodwill among the soldiers of the involved countries.