The Indian Army contingent reached Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on Wednesday for the Multinational Military Exercise Khaan Quest, which is scheduled to be conducted from June 14 to 28.

The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.

The last edition of the exercise was conducted in Mongolia from July 27  to August 9, 2024.

The Exercise First Began Its Journey In 2003

The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003.

Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise

Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards, the exercise graduated to a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise with current year being the 22nd iteration.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion of the Kumaon  Regiment along with personnel from other Arms and Services.

One Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers will also form part of the contingent.

Aim Of The Exercise

The exercise aims to prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.

High Degree Of Physical Fitness 

The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include establishment of Static and Mobile Check Points, Cordon and Search Operations, Patrolling, Evacuation of Civilians from Hostile Area, Counter Improvised Explosive Device drills, Combat First Aid and Casualty Evacuation, among others.

Sharing Of Best Practices

Exercise Khaan Quest will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conduct of joint operations.

The exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.