Pithoragarh: The 18th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant 2026’ began on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, bringing troops from the two countries together for specialised joint training. The exercise will continue from September 21 to October 3, 2026.
Conducted alternately between India and Mongolia, the annual platoon-level exercise is focused on strengthening the ability of the two forces to undertake Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces are participating with 45 personnel each.
The training programme has been designed around tactical-level operations, operational drills and interoperability. Soldiers from both sides will exchange field-level experience and best practices while undertaking realistic scenarios aimed at improving coordination and joint operational capability.
The exercise includes a wide range of specialised activities, including Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills, Special Heliborne Operations and Cyber Security Training. Troops will also train in the use of drones and counter-drone systems, reflecting the growing role of unmanned technologies in contemporary military operations.
The previous edition of Nomadic Elephant was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May–June 2025. The current edition in Uttarakhand is expected to provide both armies with an opportunity to further refine procedures for operating together in challenging terrain and strengthen their long-standing defence cooperation.
The exercise highlights the continuing defence engagement between India and Mongolia, with joint training serving as a platform for building mutual understanding, operational coordination and interoperability between the two armed forces.