India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' Begins in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

The 18th joint military exercise 'Nomadic Elephant' between India and Mongolia began today at the Foreign Training Centre in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. This annual platoon-level exercise is hosted alternately by the two countries. The current iteration is scheduled to run from September 21 to October 3, 2026. The previous exercise was held in May-June 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

A total of 45 soldiers from the Indian Army and 45 personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces are participating in this military exercise. The primary objective of the exercise is to develop and enhance the joint military capabilities of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under the mandate of the United Nations.

During the joint training, special emphasis will be placed on enhancing inter-operability between the two armies, exchanging best practices, and refining tactical-level operations and operational exercises.

The training curriculum includes critical activities such as cordon and search operations, room intervention exercises, special helicopter operations, cyber security training, and the use of drones and anti-drone systems. These exercises provide soldiers from both countries the opportunity to train together and strengthen their ability to operate jointly in realistic operational scenarios.

'Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026' is expected to expand defense cooperation between India and Mongolia and further strengthen the long-term friendship and mutual trust between the two friendly nations.