Current Affairs · · GS2 · International Relations

India and Mongolia begin Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 in Pithoragarh

India and Mongolia have begun the 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant in Pithoragarh. The annual Army exercise trains both sides in counter-insurgency, mountain operations, cyber security and drone warfare while improving their ability to operate together.

Event date:

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  1. Context1 / 5
    • The 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant began on 21 September 2026.
    • It is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, until 3 October 2026.
    • India and Mongolia have sent 45 personnel each.
    • The previous edition took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during May–June 2025.
  2. Key highlights2 / 5

    Bilateral Army exercise: Nomadic Elephant is conducted between the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces, with the two countries hosting it alternately each year.

    Operational focus: Troops train for counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a UN mandate.

    Tactical drills: Training includes cordon and search, room intervention and special heliborne operations.

    Technology: The 2026 exercise includes cyber security training and the use of drones and counter-drone systems.

    Joint capability: The exercise seeks to improve interoperability and exchange operational practices between the two armies.

  3. Key concepts3 / 5
    1. Interoperability
    • Interoperability is the ability of forces from different countries to work together effectively. It requires compatible procedures, communication and operational understanding.
    • Joint exercises let soldiers practise these arrangements before a real operation.

    News connection: Nomadic Elephant trains Indian and Mongolian personnel to conduct operations together.

    1. Counter-insurgency
    • Counter-insurgency includes military and other measures used to address an organised armed insurgency. Operations may involve intelligence, area control, search operations and civilian protection.
    • Terrain influences the tactics used.

    News connection: The exercise trains troops for counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous areas.

    1. Cordon and search operations
    • A cordon secures an area and controls entry and exit. Security forces then search it for suspects, weapons or other threats.
    • Coordination and accurate intelligence are important.

    News connection: Cordon and search forms part of the training curriculum.

    1. Bilateral versus multilateral exercises
    • A bilateral exercise involves two countries; a multilateral exercise brings together forces from more than two countries.
    • Nomadic Elephant is a bilateral India–Mongolia exercise.

    News connection: Do not confuse it with multinational military exercises hosted by Mongolia.

  4. Way forward4 / 5

    Deepen military contacts: Continue regular exercises and professional exchanges to build trust between partner countries.

    Improve interoperability: Practise compatible communications, procedures and coordination across varied terrain.

    Integrate new technology: Combine drone, counter-drone and cyber security training with conventional tactical preparation.

  5. Note5 / 5
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Sources

Syllabus

PaperSubjectSub-topic
GS2International RelationsBilateral relations and India’s engagement with other countries.
GS3Internal SecurityCounter-insurgency, emerging security technologies and operational preparedness.

Topics

Current AffairsInternational Relations and Current AffairsDefence Technology

Practice questions

  1. With reference to Exercise Nomadic Elephant, consider the following statements: 1. It is conducted between India and Mongolia. 2. It is an annual exercise conducted alternately in the two countries. 3. It is primarily a naval exercise. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Nomadic Elephant is an Army exercise, not a naval exercise.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  2. Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 includes training in which of the following? 1. Special heliborne operations 2. Cyber security 3. Drone and counter-drone systems 4. Cordon and search operations Select the correct answer using the code below:

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All four activities form part of the 2026 training curriculum.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

  3. With reference to military exercises, consider the following statements: 1. Bilateral exercises involve two countries. 2. Interoperability refers to the ability of different forces to operate together effectively. 3. Exercise Nomadic Elephant is conducted between India and Kazakhstan. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Nomadic Elephant is conducted between India and Mongolia, not Kazakhstan.

    Difficulty: medium · statement

Mains practice

Answer-writing practice on this article. Attempt it first, then open the hints.

  1. GS2 · 150 words

    Examine how bilateral military exercises contribute to India’s defence diplomacy and international partnerships.

    Show hints
    1. Builds military-to-military contacts.
    2. Improves interoperability.
    3. Enables exchange of operational experience.
    4. Strengthens trust between partner countries.
    5. Supports wider bilateral relations.
  2. GS3 · 250 words

    Discuss how emerging technologies are changing the nature of joint military training.

    Show hints
    1. Growing use of drones.
    2. Counter-drone capabilities.
    3. Cyber security threats.
    4. Better surveillance and communication.
    5. Need to integrate technology with conventional tactical training.