India and Mongolia have taken significant steps to deepen their strategic partnership through enhanced defence cooperation, as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Ulaanbaatar and held talks with Brigadier General Gankhuyag Devadorj, State Secretary of Mongolia’s Ministry of Defence.

The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in new and emerging defence technologies, underscoring shared regional security interests. It coincided with the closing ceremony of the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant, held from May 31 to June 13 in Ulaanbaatar.

Singh presided over the ceremony as Guest of Honour, alongside top Mongolian officials and Indian Ambassador Atul M Gotsurve. He commended the professionalism of both nations’ troops, highlighting the exercise as a symbol of strong and growing defence ties.

In parallel, India has deployed a 40-member Army contingent to participate in the Khaan Quest multinational military exercise in Ulaanbaatar from June 14 to 28. The Indian team, led by troops from the Kumaon Regiment, includes one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting India’s commitment to gender inclusion in defence.

Khaan Quest is a United Nations peacekeeping-focused exercise, aiming to strengthen interoperability, joint planning, and tactical readiness among participating countries. Training activities will include patrolling, setting up checkpoints, civilian evacuation drills, counter-IED operations, and combat casualty care.

The Defence Ministry noted that these joint efforts help share best practices, improve coordination in complex operations, and foster camaraderie between partner nations. The expanded military cooperation is part of India’s broader strategic outreach in East and Central Asia.