The joint military exercise between Indian and Mongolian armies, the Nomadic Elephant - 2018, started Tuesday 12 September in Mongolia, The Pioneer reports. The Nomadic Elephant is an annual, bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the partnership between Indian and Mongolian armed forces, Kohima-based Defence spokesman Col. Chiranjit Konwer explained.

Openig ceremony of the Nomadic Elephant 2018 exercise (Picture source: The Shillong Times)

The exercise is being held at the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) Desert Region Training Centre in the country's Umnugovi province. The exercise aims at enhancing both countries’ tactical and technical skills in joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in rural and urban scenario under UN Mandate.

The Indian contingent is represented by Arunachal Pradesh 17 Punjab Regiment while the Mongolian contingent is represented by Unit 084 of the Mongolian Armed Forces. Welcoming the Indian soldiers, Deputy Chief of Mongolian Armed Forces Maj.Gen. J. Badambazar highlighted the common shared beliefs of freedom, equality and justice that are precious to both nations. The opening ceremony started with briefing on Army organization and country presentation including display of weapons and equipment at sub-unit level.

During the exercise, both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in urban warfare scenario. Experts from both sides would also hold detailed discussions to share their experience on varied topics for mutual benefits.