18th edition of joint exercise focused on interoperability, tactical drills, drone handling, cyber security and heliborne operations

New Delhi, October 4, 2026: The 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT, the joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Army, concluded at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand on October 3, marking another step forward in strengthening defence cooperation and military interoperability between the two countries.

The exercise was conducted from September 20 to October 3, 2026, with the objective of enhancing interoperability, developing mutual understanding and further strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Indian and Mongolian armed forces.

The closing ceremony provided an opportunity for both contingents to review the training and operational experiences gained during the exercise. It also highlighted the close military and cultural ties shared by India and Mongolia.

Three-Phase Military Exercise

Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 was conducted in three distinct phases, progressively moving from integration and familiarisation to joint combat training and validation.

The Integration Phase, held from September 20 to 23, focused on familiarising the two contingents with each other’s operational procedures, training methodologies and military practices.

This was followed by the Conduct of Joint Exercise Phase from September 24 to 30. The phase involved a series of joint training activities, tactical drills and combat exercises designed to improve coordination and the ability of the two forces to operate together in a joint environment.

The final Validation Exercise Phase, conducted from October 1 to 2, enabled the contingents to assess and validate the training undertaken during the preceding phases through integrated joint activities.

Focus on Modern Battlefield Skills

A major feature of the exercise was the broad range of military training undertaken by the participating troops.

The contingents conducted tactical drills, intelligence and surveillance activities, technology demonstrations, heliborne operations and casualty management and evacuation exercises.

The training also included marksmanship and specialised military skills, along with practical exposure to drone handling and cyber security.

The inclusion of unmanned systems and cyber-related training reflects the growing importance of emerging technologies in contemporary military operations, while the emphasis on intelligence, surveillance and tactical coordination was aimed at improving operational synergy between the two forces.

The exercise also allowed Indian and Mongolian troops to exchange operational experiences and best practices, providing both sides an opportunity to learn from each other’s training approaches and field-level expertise.

Building Interoperability and Operational Synergy

Beyond individual training activities, NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 was designed to improve the ability of the two contingents to operate cohesively in a joint environment.

Joint military exercises such as NOMADIC ELEPHANT provide participating forces with an opportunity to understand each other’s command procedures, communication practices and tactical approaches before conducting integrated activities.

The exercise therefore served not only as a platform for combat training but also as an avenue for strengthening professional relationships and mutual confidence between personnel from the Indian and Mongolian armies.

Sports and Cultural Activities Strengthen Camaraderie

The exercise also included a strong emphasis on camaraderie and cultural exchange.

As part of the interaction between the two contingents, troops participated in various sports activities, helping strengthen friendship, bonhomie and mutual respect among the personnel.

The closing ceremony also showcased the rich cultural and martial heritage of India and Mongolia, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

Such activities complemented the military training by providing personnel from both countries opportunities to interact beyond formal operational settings.

Longstanding India-Mongolia Defence Partnership

The successful completion of the 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT represents another milestone in India-Mongolia defence cooperation.

The exercise strengthened interoperability and mutual understanding while facilitating the exchange of operational experiences and best practices between the two armies.

For India and Mongolia, regular military exercises also provide an important platform for maintaining close institutional and professional ties between their armed forces.

Key Takeaways

  • 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT concluded at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
  • Exercise conducted from September 20 to October 3, 2026.
  • Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Army.
  • Training conducted in three phases — Integration, Joint Exercise and Validation.
  • Activities included tactical drills, intelligence and surveillance, heliborne operations and casualty evacuation.
  • Troops also trained in marksmanship, specialised skills, drone handling and cyber security.
  • Sports and cultural activities strengthened friendship and mutual respect.
  • Exercise further reinforced India-Mongolia defence cooperation and military interoperability.

The conclusion of NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 underscores the continued importance of joint training in building operational understanding and strengthening military-to-military relations. The 18th edition further consolidated the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Mongolia, while giving participating troops valuable experience in operating together across a range of contemporary military tasks.