Pithoragarh: The 18th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 commenced on Monday at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, marking another step in strengthening defence cooperation and military interoperability between the two countries.
The annual platoon-level exercise is being conducted from September 21 to October 3, 2026. Nomadic Elephant is held alternately between India and Mongolia, providing personnel from both armed forces an opportunity to train together and exchange operational experiences.
The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces are participating with 45 personnel each in the current edition.
Nomadic Elephant 2026 Focuses on Counter-Insurgency Operations
The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the joint military capability of the Indian and Mongolian forces to conduct Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.
The exercise will provide troops with an opportunity to practise tactical-level operations in challenging terrain while developing a common understanding of operational procedures.
The joint training programme will focus on:
- Tactical-level operations
- Exchange of operational best practices
- Refinement of military drills and procedures
- Strengthening interoperability between the two armies
- Conduct of operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain
- Training under a United Nations-mandated operational framework
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Training to Include Drones, Cyber Security and Heliborne Operations
The training curriculum for Nomadic Elephant 2026 covers a range of tactical and specialised activities designed to prepare troops for realistic operational situations.
The participating personnel will undertake training in Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills and Special Heliborne Operations. The exercise will also include Cyber Security Training and the employment of drones and counter-drone systems, reflecting the growing importance of technology-enabled capabilities in modern military operations.
Through these activities, troops from both sides will train together in realistic operational scenarios and work towards improving their ability to coordinate and operate jointly.
45 Personnel From Each Army Participate
The current edition of Nomadic Elephant brings together 45 personnel from the Indian Army and 45 personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces.
The platoon-level format allows troops to undertake close tactical training and gain practical experience of each other’s operating procedures. The interaction is also expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices and enhance mutual understanding between the participating personnel.
Previous Edition Held in Mongolia in 2025
The 17th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant was conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May-June 2025.
The exercise is conducted annually and alternates between the two countries. Hosting the 18th edition in Pithoragarh provides the participating Mongolian troops an opportunity to undertake joint training in the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand.
Exercise Strengthens India-Mongolia Defence Ties
Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 is aimed at further strengthening defence cooperation between India and Mongolia while reinforcing the longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.
The exercise provides a platform for both armed forces to improve interoperability, share tactical knowledge and develop greater coordination during joint operations.
The ongoing engagement also reflects the continued defence relationship between India and Mongolia, with regular military exercises providing opportunities for personnel from both countries to train together and understand each other’s operational practices.
Key Highlights of Nomadic Elephant 2026
- Exercise: Nomadic Elephant 2026
- Edition: 18th
- Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces
- Personnel: 45 from each side
- Venue: Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- Dates: September 21 to October 3, 2026
- Level: Annual platoon-level exercise
- Focus: Counter-Insurgency Operations
- Terrain: Semi-urban and mountainous
- Training areas: Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills, Special Heliborne Operations, Cyber Security
- Technology: Drones and counter-drone systems
- Previous edition: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, May-June 2025
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