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India–Mongolia: Military Training And Peacekeeping  – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

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India-Mongolia: Military training and peacekeeping

Policy Update
Aditi Kaur

Background

India and Mongolia have cultivated a Strategic Partnership since 2015, built on centuries-old cultural ties (notably Buddhism) and shared democratic values. Diplomatic relations date to 1955, and in 2015 Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit elevated ties to a “Strategic Partnership” conducive to regional peace and prosperity. Mongolia, a small democracy landlocked between China and Russia, looks to India as an important “third neighbour” and spiritual ally.

In recent years both countries have intensified defence engagement, aligning with India’s Act East/Indo-Pacific Policy A cornerstone of this cooperation is the annual Nomadic Elephant exercise – a bilateral special-forces drill initiated in 2004 that alternates between India and Mongolia. Its focus on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping under a UN mandate reflects both sides’ commitment to joint security.

Similarly, India participates in the multinational Khaan Quest exercise in Mongolia, which is led by the Mongolian Armed Forces (under US Indo-Pacific Command) to train contingents for UN peacekeeping. Mongolia is a significant UN peacekeeping contributor (around 900 troops and police on UN missions. Peacekeeping and India – a veteran UN participant – collaborates through such training. Under these frameworks, India also provides defence capacity-building (e.g. via ITEC military courses) to Mongolian officers

Functioning

The India–Mongolia Joint Working Group (Defence) meets periodically (e.g. the 12th JWG met in Ulaanbaatar in May 2024) to plan activities and review progress. These meetings lay the groundwork for exercises and other initiatives. Nomadic Elephant is planned jointly by the two armies: each edition is hosted alternately (India in 2024, Mongolia in 2023 and 2025) and involves battalion- and platoon-level field training.

For example, the 2024 edition (held at Umroi, Meghalaya) was overseen by India’s 33 Corps, while Mongolian forces (150-strong QRF unit) participated alongside – 45 Indian troops. Training scenarios simulate semi-urban/mountainous counter-insurgency operations under UN norms. Each side contributes instructors, planners and support; opening/closing ceremonies are attended by senior officers from both countries (e.g. the Mongolian Chief of General Staff attended the 2024 closing ceremony).

Peacekeeping collaboration is coordinated through multinational exercises and international channels. India regularly sends a contingent (typically – 40 personnel from the Kumaon Regiment) to the annual Khaan Quest in Mongolia, which rehearses UN peacekeeping operations. The exercise is organized by the Mongolian Armed Forces (with US support) and focuses on UN chapter-VII missions, joint planning, and tactical drills. For instance, Khaan Quest 2025 (June 14–28) will include joint planning and conduct of checkpoints, patrolling, CBRN drills, etc., aimed at increasing interoperability in peace support. Beyond exercises, India has helped build Mongolian training infrastructure (e.g. a Cyber Security Training Centre under the Ministry of Defence and gifted equipment (ambulances, winter gear) to enhance Mongolian military readines

Performance

Over the past 2–3 years, the India–Mongolia training partnership has steadily grown in scope and scale. Key metrics include:

  1. Nomadic Elephant (2023-2025): Interoperability and small-unit skills were reinforced in three consecutive editions. 40–50 Indian soldiers and 100–150 Mongolian personnel usually participate.   
  2. Participation of Khaan Quest: India has sent about 40 personnel to participate in peacekeeping exercises with Mongolia and other regional partners in each of the most recent editions.  
  3. ITEC training: To improve Mongolian human capital in defence, India sends roughly 18 to 20 Mongolian officers each year for professional courses in infantry, signals, and logistics.

Timeline of Key Exercises

  1. 2004: Nomadic Elephant I – First-ever exercise at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; featured Mongolian 150th Regiment troops
  2. 2012: Nomadic Elephant (7th edition) – Held in Belgaum, India; involved 44 Indian (Jat Regiment) vs 38 Mongolian (084th Airborne) soldiers
  3. 2019: Nomadic Elephant 2019 (14th) – Held at Bakloh, India; Indian Rajputana Rifles battalion vs Mongolian 084th Airborne unit
  4. 2023: Nomadic Elephant 2023 (15th) – At Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; 43 Indian (J&K LI) vs Mongolian Unit-084 soldiers
  5. 2024: Nomadic Elephant 2024 (16th) – At Umroi (India); 45 Indian (Sikkim Scouts) vs Mongolian 150th Quick Reaction Force troops
  6. 2025: Nomadic Elephant 2025 (17th) – At Ulaanbaatar (ongoing); 45 Indian (Arunachal Scouts) vs Mongolian 150th Special Forces troops

Impact

This deepening defence collaboration yields multiple strategic benefits. 

First, it enhances regional stability: joint training and shared counter-terrorism drills build trust and ensure Indian and Mongolian forces can cooperate in crisis situations. As one Mongolian report notes, Nomadic Elephant “strengthens the bilateral defence cooperation” and underscores a “shared commitment to regional security”. By reinforcing Mongolia’s security and stability along its borders, these ties indirectly benefit the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Second, it builds Mongolian capacity: Intensive training under India’s mentorship improves the professionalism of Mongolian units (especially special forces), equipping them for both national defence and UN missions. For example, Mongolia has gained experience in urban combat and mountain warfare through Nomadic Elephant drills. India’s assistance (e.g. cyber training centre, equipment gifts) also strengthens Mongolian military infrastructure. This capacity-building aligns with Mongolia’s goal of a capable “peacekeeping army” and broadens India’s profile as a partner in Central Asia.

Third, the partnership advances India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy: 

By investing in Mongolia, India extends its strategic reach northward. Shared democratic governance and rule-of-law values mean India and Mongolia can work together in forums like the UN and SCO, supporting an open regional order. India’s support for Mongolia’s economic projects (oil refinery, rail link) underlines this multidimensional cooperation and helps diversify Mongolia’s ties away from its powerful neighbours. In sum, the defence ties solidify India’s image as a reliable “third neighbour” and democratic partner to Mongol.

Emerging Issues

Several challenges must be addressed to sustain momentum:

  1. Terrain and Logistics: Mongolia’s harsh, landlocked terrain complicates movement of troops and equipment. High-altitude and extreme weather conditions in exercises demand specialized training (handled so far) but also strain resources. Better joint logistics planning and investment in transport (e.g. military airlifts) are needed.
  2. Funding and Sustainability: Both countries face budget constraints. Mongolia’s defence budget is limited, and India must balance many priorities. Reliance on grants/loans (e.g. for equipment) may not be sustainable. Ensuring predictable funding for joint exercises (venue, accommodation, etc.) is critical. Multilateral aid (e.g. capacity-building grants) could be sought.
  3. Doctrine and Language Differences: Despite shared goals, the armies have different operational cultures and languages. This can impede communication in combined drills or PK missions. Increasing use of English in training, liaison officers, and joint planning cells can mitigate these gaps.
  4. Geopolitical Pressures: Mongolia’s proximity to China and Russia means it must balance its partnerships carefully. Any friction with Beijing or Moscow could pressure Mongolia to limit cooperation. India should coordinate with other “third neighbours” (like the US, Japan) to reassure Mongolia and share best practices. Diplomatically, India must assure Mongolia that its relationship is mutually beneficial and not aimed against any third country.
  5. Equipment Compatibility: Mongolia’s armed forces predominantly use Russian/Russian-origin weapons, while India is diversifying its arsenal (including indigenous systems). Joint exercises need to account for this mix. In the long term, standardizing certain communications equipment or ammunition (through defence commerce or joint production) could reduce interoperability issues.

Way Forward

To strengthen India–Mongolia defence ties in the coming years, policy-makers should consider:

  1. Deepening Digital and Cyber Cooperation: Upgrade the Ulaanbaatar Cyber Security Training Centre with joint programs (cyber drills, exercises) and expand telemedicine/tele-training networks between armies. Share expertise on cybersecurity, satellite imagery, and other emerging domains.
  2. Enhancing Logistics and Infrastructure: Develop a joint logistics agreement to use Indian bases (like those in Northeast India) for pre-positioning supplies for Mongolian troops during exercises. Explore new air and rail links (civil/military) between India and Mongolia via intermediaries (Russia/China), to ease travel and cargo movement.
  3. Building Strategic Infrastructure: Collaborate on dual-use infrastructure (e.g. upgrading an airstrip in Mongolia for both civilian and military use). Support Mongolia’s coastal aspirations by involving Indian Navy or coastguard in research, even if Mongolia is landlocked (for e.g. riverine or inland water security).
  4. Establishing a Multi-National Training Centre: Consider upgrading the existing Five Hills (Tavan Tolgoi) range or a facility in India/Mongolia as a regional peacekeeping training hub involving other QUAD/third-neighbour nations. This centre could host an expanded Nomadic Elephant plus exercise inviting Southeast Asian or Central Asian forces, spreading best practices and sharing costs.
  5. Expanding Joint Research and Defence Industry Collaboration: Promote R&D partnerships (e.g. in mountain warfare equipment, amphibious vehicles suitable for Mongolia’s lakes and rivers). Facilitate Mongolian procurements of Indian equipment (e.g. helicopters, vehicles, small arms) through government-to-government deals. In turn, encourage Mongolian mineral exports (coal, copper) into India to create economic interdependence that undergirds security ties.
  6. Institutionalizing High-level Exchanges: Keep the Joint Working Group on Defence active (meet at least annually) and consider adding a Defence Ministerial dialogue. Encourage more joint participation in international military exercises (like RIMPAC or SCO drills) to normalize interoperability.

Implementing these steps alongside continued high-level visits will build on the strong foundation of 2025 and ensure that India–Mongolia defence cooperation remains a pillar of both countries’ security strategies.

References

  1. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2015, May 17). Joint Statement for India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership. https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/25253/Joint+Statement+for+IndiaMongolia+Strategic+Partnership+May+17+2015
  1. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (2024). Annual Report 2023–24 (India–Mongolia section). https://www.mea.gov.in/annual-reports.htm
  1. Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India – Ministry of Defence. (2024, July 3). Indian Army contingent departs for India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant [Press Release]. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1931006
  1. Press Information Bureau, Govt. of India – Ministry of Defence. (2025, June 11). Indian Army contingent reaches Mongolia for multinational military exercise KHAAN QUEST https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2135590
  1. Mongolian National News Agency (Montsame). (2023, July 21). Mongolia – India Joint Military Exercise “Nomadic Elephant – 2023) https://montsame.mn/en/read/323523
  1. United Nations Peacekeeping. Mongolia.  https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mongolia#:~:text=Image%3A%20Mongolia%20provides%20900%20military,police%20officers%20to%20UN%20peacekeeping

About the Contributor

Aditi Kaur is a student of Political Science at Amity University, Noida with a keen interest in International relations, governance and foreign policy.

Acknowledgement : The author expresses her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team, Ms Aasthaba Jadeja and Ms Bhaktiba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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