Umroi

The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant kicked off on Wednesday at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. Scheduled from July 3 to July 16, 2024, the exercise involves a contingent of 45 personnel from India, including members of the Sikkim Scouts Battalion and other arms and services. The Mongolian contingent comprises personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant is an annual event alternately held in India and Mongolia, with the previous edition taking place in Mongolia in July 2023. The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army.

The exercise aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of both countries, focusing on counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains as per Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Tactical drills include responses to terrorist actions, establishment of joint command posts, intelligence and surveillance operations, helipad securing, small team maneuvers, heliborne operations, cordon and search operations, and the use of drones and counter-drone systems.

Scheduled for the closing ceremony on July 16, 2024, are Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant facilitates the sharing of best practices in joint military tactics, techniques, and procedures, promoting interoperability and fostering camaraderie between the Indian and Mongolian armies.