India, Mongolia Troops Drill Weapons in NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026
Indian and Mongolian troops conduct intensive weapon handling and room intervention drills during the 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT.
In a significant boost to bilateral military cooperation, troops from the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces are currently engaged in high-intensity training activities as part of the 18th edition of the joint military exercise, NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026. Held in the rugged terrain of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, the exercise focuses on sharpening tactical skills and enhancing the ability of both forces to work seamlessly together during joint operations.
Intensive Weaponry and Tactical Training
The ongoing drills, which commenced on September 21 and are scheduled to continue until October 3, have seen a heavy emphasis on small arms proficiency. Mongolian Armed Forces personnel have been undergoing rigorous training sessions specifically designed to master weapon handling and firing techniques. These structured practical sessions include:
- Weapon Familiarisation: Getting acquainted with various small arms systems.
- Safety Protocols: Conducting essential safety drills to ensure disciplined handling.
- Operational Procedures: Mastering the loading and unloading of weapons.
- Precision Shooting: Refining aiming techniques and live firing practices.
The Indian Army has also taken the lead in demonstrating advanced Room Intervention Drills. These demonstrations were designed to showcase the complexities of urban warfare, covering systematic entry into buildings, room clearance, and coordinated movement. The drills also highlighted critical skills such as fire discipline, communication under pressure, and efficient casualty evacuation techniques.
Strengthening Interoperability and Tactical Exchange
A key objective of the 18th edition is to foster tactical-level interoperability. Following the demonstrations, Mongolian personnel joined their Indian counterparts for hands-on training. This exchange allows both contingents to share operational practices, ensuring that they can operate effectively as a unified force in diverse environments.
Beyond modern combat drills, the exercise has also served as a platform for cultural and martial exchange. The Mongolian Armed Forces showcased their rich martial heritage through demonstrations of Mongolian Classical Wrestling (Bökh) and unarmed combat. These displays, featuring traditional grappling and close-combat movements, highlighted the strength, agility, and battlefield resilience inherent in Mongolian martial traditions.
A Growing Military Partnership
The current iteration of NOMADIC ELEPHANT is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, with 45 personnel representing each nation. This follows the 17th edition, which concluded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in June 2025.
By focusing on mutual learning and professional interaction, the exercise continues to deepen the camaraderie and strategic understanding between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces, ensuring both sides are better prepared for modern security challenges.