India Strengthens Defence Ties with Mongolia Amid Strategic Outreach in East and Central Asia.jpg)
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Ulaanbaatar/New Delhi – In a major development underlining India’s evolving strategic footprint in East and Central Asia, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held high-level defence consultations with Brigadier General Gankhuyag Devadorj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Mongolia, on Friday during an official visit to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.
This bilateral meeting marks a deeper convergence of geopolitical and security interests between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar, aiming to strengthen military cooperation, share advanced technologies, and enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.
The interaction took place on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’, further elevating the symbolic and operational significance of the visit.
Defence Dialogue Focuses on Emerging Tech, Peacekeeping, and Regional Stability
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions between Rajesh Kumar Singh and Brigadier General Devadorj covered a wide spectrum of strategic issues, including joint training, logistics, defence industry partnerships, and cooperation in emerging technology sectors.
“India and Mongolia share a robust defence relationship based on mutual trust and shared democratic values,” a senior official from the Defence Ministry told The Trending People. “This visit is part of India’s Act East and Connect Central Asia policy frameworks.”
The meeting reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Mongolia's defence modernization efforts and explored new initiatives for defence manufacturing collaboration, cybersecurity resilience, and joint training modules designed for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Curtain Falls on Nomadic Elephant 2025 with Praise for Troops
The highlight of the visit was the closing ceremony of the ‘Nomadic Elephant’ exercise, where Defence Secretary Singh served as the Guest of Honour. Held from May 31 to June 13 in Ulaanbaatar, the exercise saw significant participation from the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces.
Dignitaries at the event included:
- Brigadier General Baatar Baljid, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces
- Ambassador Atul M Gotsurve, India’s envoy to Mongolia
- Lt. Gen. Puspendra Singh, Director General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement
Praising the professionalism and coordination exhibited during the exercise, Singh said,
“This joint exercise reflects the growing trust and collaboration between our defence forces. It represents a shared vision for peace and stability in the region.”
The joint training included tactical maneuvers, mountain warfare drills, survival training in extreme conditions, and humanitarian rescue operations—critical skills for both nations given their unique terrains and geopolitical roles.
Background: India-Mongolia Defence Cooperation
India and Mongolia have enjoyed a strategic partnership since 2015, rooted in historic cultural ties, Buddhist linkages, and growing geopolitical alignment.
Key milestones include:
- Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation (2001)
- First India-Mongolia Joint Working Group on Defence (2012)
- Mongolia’s participation in India’s Defence Expo and Aero India exhibitions
- Establishment of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre for Excellence in Information and Communication Technology in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia remains India’s only strategic partner in the East and Central Asian region, and both countries view each other as vital for regional peace and security.
India Gears Up for ‘Khaan Quest’: Multinational Military Peacekeeping Drill
Continuing its defence diplomacy efforts, India is also participating in the upcoming Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise ‘Khaan Quest’, hosted by Mongolia from June 14 to June 28, 2025.
A 40-member contingent from the Indian Army, primarily drawn from the Kumaon Regiment, has been deployed. The team includes engineers, logistics personnel, and operational planners, as well as:
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One woman officer
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Two women soldiers
This gender-inclusive representation demonstrates India’s increasing focus on women’s participation in armed forces and peacekeeping operations.
“This inclusion aligns with India’s larger agenda of empowering women in uniform and integrating them into global peacekeeping structures,” said a defence analyst at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.
What is Exercise Khaan Quest?
Organized under the aegis of the United Nations Chapter VII mandate, Khaan Quest is a premier multinational exercise that brings together peacekeeping forces from over 20 nations, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Germany, and now, India.
Key Objectives:
- Enhance multinational interoperability in peace support operations
- Foster joint planning and execution of tactical drills
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing and best practices for United Nations missions
- Improve combat readiness for complex peacekeeping environments
Training Modules Include:
- Establishment of static and mobile checkpoints
- Cordon and search operations in conflict zones
- Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) drills
- Evacuation of civilians under hostile conditions
- Combat first aid and casualty evacuation
“Khaan Quest enables soldiers to rehearse real-world scenarios that they may face in peacekeeping missions globally. It’s not just a drill—it’s a test of resilience, cooperation, and leadership,” stated a retired Indian Army Major familiar with multinational operations.
Why This Matters: India’s Strategic Outreach to East & Central Asia
India’s defence diplomacy with Mongolia is a crucial pillar of its broader strategic outreach in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asian regions.
Under the Act East Policy and Connect Central Asia Policy, India is expanding its regional partnerships beyond trade, encompassing energy security, infrastructure connectivity, and military-to-military cooperation.
Strategic Importance of Mongolia:
- Geopolitical bridge between Russia and China
- Democratic partner with shared values
- Abundant rare earth mineral reserves
- Host of UN peacekeeping training missions
As China and Russia deepen their presence in Central Asia, India’s partnership with Mongolia presents a counterbalance through soft power, defence ties, and people-to-people engagement.
Conclusion: Strengthening Ties for a Secure Asia
India’s intensified defence engagement with Mongolia—through high-level meetings, joint military drills, and participation in multinational peacekeeping exercises—signals New Delhi’s intent to be a responsible regional security partner.
By focusing on capacity building, gender inclusion, and operational interoperability, India is positioning itself as a reliable force in shaping the security architecture of East and Central Asia.
“This visit has set the tone for future defence cooperation. It’s a strategic signal—not just to Mongolia, but to the region at large,” a senior Indian Army official said.
As the Indian contingent prepares to enter Khaan Quest 2025, the roadmap for India-Mongolia defence partnership seems more ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with global peacekeeping objectives than ever before.