Indian, Mongolian troops conduct weapon handling drills during Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT

Indian and Mongolian soldiers have been taking part in rigorous training, including weapon handling, live firing and room intervention drills, during the ongoing 18th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, the Indian Army said.

The exercise is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh from September 21 to October 3. Personnel from the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces are training to boost interoperability, sharpen tactical skills and deepen mutual understanding.

As part of the programme, Mongolian troops underwent weapon handling and firing training on small-arms systems. The modules included weapon familiarisation, safety procedures, loading and unloading drills, aiming methods and firing practice.

According to the Indian Army, the structured hands-on sessions helped Mongolian personnel become comfortable with the weapons while reinforcing safe, confident and disciplined handling.

The Indian contingent also staged a demonstration of Room Intervention Drills, focusing on systematic entry, room clearance, coordinated movement, communication, fire discipline and casualty evacuation.

The Army said the demonstration underlined the need for teamwork, precision and situational awareness during operations in built-up areas.

Mongolian personnel later joined their Indian counterparts for practical training, enabling an exchange of operational approaches and strengthening tactical-level interoperability between the two contingents.

Mongolian troops also presented elements of their martial traditions through demonstrations of Mongolian classical wrestling (Bökh) and unarmed combat.

These displays featured traditional techniques, controlled grappling and close-combat movements, showcasing strength, agility, discipline and battlefield resilience.

The Indian Army said the events offered insight into Mongolia’s martial heritage while supporting professional interaction, shared learning and camaraderie between the two forces.

The 18th edition of NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 is aimed at enhancing interoperability, tactical proficiency and mutual understanding through intensive joint training. The previous edition was conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May–June 2025. The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces are each represented by 45 personnel.

The 17th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT concluded on June 13, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, along with Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, Director General Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement, attended the closing ceremony.