Defence Secretary Attends Closing Ceremony of Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’

New Delhi :  The 17th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ between India and Mongolia concluded today in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The closing ceremony was attended by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh.

The Indian Army contingent, primarily consisting of 45 personnel from a battalion of Arunachal Scouts, actively participated in the two-week-long exercise. The joint training was aimed at enhancing interoperability between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces while operating as a combined task force in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under United Nations mandate and semi-conventional scenarios.

In his address at the closing ceremony, the Defence Secretary praised the professionalism, dedication, and conduct of the Indian soldiers during the exercise. He stated that the Nomadic Elephant exercise reflects the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual trust, and shared cultural values between India and Mongolia. The exercise served as a vital platform for meaningful military cooperation and reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to regional peace and stability.

He further added that such joint initiatives not only enhance operational readiness but also strengthen India’s role as a responsible stakeholder in global peace efforts.

The Defence Secretary is also scheduled to attend the inaugural ceremony of the multinational joint military exercise ‘Khaan Quest 2025’ at the same venue tomorrow, where an Indian Army contingent will also be participating. Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 will be held from June 14 to 28, 2025.

Both Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest represent key milestones in India’s expanding defence diplomacy and underscore the strategic importance of its partnership with Mongolia.