16th Edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT Commences in Meghalaya

16th Edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT Commences in Meghalaya

The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise, NOMADIC ELEPHANT, commenced today at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from July 3rd to July 16th, 2024.

Participating Contingents

  • Indian Contingent: Represented by a battalion of SIKKIM SCOUTS along with personnel from other arms and services, comprising a total of 45 personnel.
  • Mongolian Contingent: Represented by personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army.

Historical Context

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual training event conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The last edition was held in Mongolia in July 2023.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by:

  • His Excellency Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India
  • Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army

Objectives and Focus

The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The exercise will focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

Tactical Drills

The exercise will include various tactical drills such as:

  • Response to a terrorist action
  • Establishment of a joint command post
  • Establishment of an intelligence & surveillance centre
  • Securing a helipad/landing site
  • Small team insertion & extraction
  • Special heliborne operations
  • Cordon & search operations
  • Employment of drones and counter-drone systems

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony is scheduled for July 16th, 2024, and will be attended by:

  • Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia
  • Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army

Benefits of the Exercise

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT will:

  • Enable both sides to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures of conducting joint operations
  • Facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between the two armies
  • Enhance the level of defense cooperation and further augment bilateral relations between the two friendly nations

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. When did the 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commence?
    • A) July 1st, 2024
    • B) July 3rd, 2024
    • C) July 5th, 2024
    • D) July 7th, 2024
    Answer: B) July 3rd, 2024
  2. Which battalion represents the Indian contingent in the 16th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT?
    • A) Punjab Regiment
    • B) SIKKIM SCOUTS
    • C) Garhwal Rifles
    • D) Gorkha Rifles
    Answer: B) SIKKIM SCOUTS
  3. Who attended the opening ceremony of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT from the Mongolian side?
    • A) Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev
    • B) Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold
    • C) Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla
    • D) Major General Prasanna Joshi
    Answer: B) Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold
  4. What is the main focus of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT?
    • A) Maritime operations
    • B) Desert warfare
    • C) Counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain
    • D) Jungle warfare
    Answer: C) Counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain
  5. Who is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the exercise on July 16th, 2024?
    • A) Major General Prasanna Joshi and Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev
    • B) Major General Prasanna Joshi and Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla
    • C) Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev and Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla
    • D) Mr. Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi
    Answer: C) Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev and Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla