Nomadic Elephant is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India and Mongolia. It is an important component of the defense cooperation and military diplomacy between the two countries. The exercise aims to enhance military-to-military cooperation, promote interoperability, and strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces of both nations through joint training and exercises.

The topic Nomadic Elephant UPSC is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

In this article on Nomadic Elephant Exercise, we shall discuss its features, objectives, significance & its year-wise details. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

Also, check out the Malabar Exercise here.

What is Nomadic Elephant ?

Nomadic Elephant is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces. It aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two armies. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations. It involves various training activities such as tactical drills, simulated scenarios, and cultural exchanges. Nomadic Elephant Exercise has been conducted annually since 2006. It strengthens defense ties and promotes mutual understanding between India and Mongolia.

• The Nomadic Elephant Exercise has witnessed multiple iterations, the most recent being the 14th edition conducted from October 5th to 18th, 2019.
• Officers and soldiers from the esteemed 084 Airborne Special Task Battalion represent the Mongolian Army in this exercise.
• Meanwhile, the Indian Army is represented by a battalion from the distinguished RAJPUTANA RIFLES Regiment.

Objectives of the Nomadic Elephant Military Exercise

• The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability between the Indian and Mongolian armed forces by conducting joint training, exercises, and sharing best practices.
• It focuses on improving the counter-terrorism capabilities of both countries through the exchange of experiences, tactics, and procedures in combating terrorism.
• The exercise includes training modules on peacekeeping operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This is to promote cooperation and coordination in such missions.
• Nomadic Elephant also facilitates cultural exchanges between the troops of both nations, fostering mutual understanding and promoting cultural ties.

Study the Various Joint Military Exercises of India here.

Strategic Trainings Conducted under Nomadic Elephant

A lot of strategic training activities took place during the Exercise. They are listed below.

• Combat Drills: The exercise includes joint combat drills to enhance the tactical skills and operational capabilities of participating troops.
• Weapon Familiarization: It involves familiarization with each other's weapons and equipment to promote better understanding and coordination.
• Field Training Exercises: The exercise incorporates field training exercises, including live firing exercises, to improve marksmanship and combat readiness.
• Specialized Training: Nomadic Elephant also provides specialized training in areas such as counter-terrorism operations, urban warfare, and peacekeeping operations.

Significance of Nomadic Elephant

• The planned training between the contingents will greatly enhance their ability to conduct cooperative operations.
• The exercise will feature important lectures, exhibits, and drills focused on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations. 
• Both armies will also improve joint operating exercises and procedures, sharing their invaluable knowledge in dealing with such crises.
• The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation phase, evaluating soldiers' capabilities in executing joint operations in a counterterrorism scenario.
• The strengthening of defense cooperation between India and Mongolia holds significant importance.
• India and Mongolia are reliable security partners, actively contributing to the global fight against terrorism and promoting peace and stability in specific regions.
• Both countries are eager to enhance their military-to-military cooperation. 
• Mongolian troops will participate in the renowned Adyar Cup 2019 Parade as part of this collaboration, marking their first involvement in an Indian Military-organized parade.
• Both nations have expressed their commitment to avoid hostilities with any country. 
• Therefore, maintaining vigilance and exploring new opportunities for defense cooperation is crucial for their mutual advantage.

Also, check out United Nations Peacekeeping here.

About Nomadic Elephant Exercise 2023

• Nomadic Elephant-23 was conducted from July 17th to 31st, 2023. The exercise is held annually and alternates between India and Mongolia. In 2023, it took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• The participating forces in the Nomadic Elephant 2023 included the Indian Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment and the Mongolian Armed Forces' Unit 084.
• The primary focus of Nomadic Elephant Exercise 2023 was on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. This reflects the shared concern of both India and Mongolia regarding terrorism and the importance of cooperation in addressing this threat.
• The exercise included a variety of activities aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of the participating forces:
  • Endurance training to build physical stamina and resilience.
  • Reflex firing exercises to improve marksmanship and combat readiness.
  • Room intervention drills to simulate urban combat scenarios and practice close-quarters battle techniques.
  • Small team tactics training to enhance coordination and effectiveness in small unit operations.
  • Rock craft training to develop mountaineering skills and maneuverability in mountainous terrain.

Also, check out the article on Shakti Exercise here.

About India-Mongolia Bilateral Relations

• India and Mongolia share historical ties dating back to ancient times. It is characterized by cultural, economic, and diplomatic exchanges.
• India and Mongolia established a strategic partnership in 2015, aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including defense and security.
• The two countries have signed defense agreements to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, facilitate military training, and exchange experiences in areas such as counter-terrorism and peacekeeping operations.
• India provides military training opportunities to Mongolian armed forces personnel through programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Defense Training and Exchanges.
• Joint military exercises between India and Mongolia, such as the Nomadic Elephant series, enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.
• India supports Mongolia in capacity building initiatives for its armed forces. This includes infrastructure development, modernization of equipment, and skill enhancement.
• India and Mongolia face common security challenges, including terrorism, extremism, and regional instability. This necessitates closer cooperation and coordination in defense and security matters.
• Enhanced defense cooperation between India and Mongolia contributes to regional stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering peace and prosperity for both countries and their neighbors.

Also, study the Yudh Abhyas Military Exercise from the linked article.

Conclusion

According to data from Mongolian Immigration, there are just 250–300 Indians living in Mongolia. The majority of Indians work in the organised sector or are self-employed, such as by running Indian eateries that are well-liked by Mongolians and visitors from other countries. India and Mongolia’s bilateral relations have prominent significance and both countries have deepened their economic cooperation.

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We hope that all your doubts regarding the Nomadic Elephant Exercise will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.