INDIA- MONGOLIA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE NOMADIC ELEPHANT COMMENCES AT PITHORAGARH
The 18th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT has commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Running from September 21 to October 03, 2026, the exercise features 45 personnel from each side aiming to enhance joint military capabilities in counter-insurgency operations under the UN mandate. The curriculum focuses on tactical-level operations, cyber security training, and drone employment.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for defence and international relations sections in competitive exams like UPSC and SSC, tracking India's bilateral military exercises.
In Simple Words
The 18th India-Mongolia joint military exercise, NOMADIC ELEPHANT, has begun at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. It is scheduled to take place from September 21 to October 03, 2026.
Both the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces have deployed 45 personnel each. The exercise aims to improve joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains under the United Nations Mandate.
Key Points
- 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
- Scheduled dates are 21 September to 03 October 2026.
- Annual platoon-level exercise conducted alternately in India and Mongolia.
- Last edition was held at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May–June 2025.
- Both Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces are represented by 45 personnel each.
- Aims to enhance joint military capability for Counter-Insurgency Operations under United Nations Mandate.
- Training curriculum includes Cordon and Search, Room Intervention, Special Heliborne Operations, and Cyber Security Training.
- Includes employment of drones and counter-drone systems.
Exam Angle
A. Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Source: Press Information Bureau