The Indian Army will participate in a multinational military exercise, ‘Khaan Quest,’ in Mongolia from July 27 to August 9. This exercise brings together armed forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 40 personnel, including a woman officer and two women soldiers, departed for Ulaanbaatar on Wednesday, according to a statement from the defense ministry. The Indian side is primarily represented by troops from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services. The event is scheduled to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The statement highlighted the exercise’s objective, stating, “The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. The last edition of Exercise Khaan Quest was conducted in Mongolia from June 19 to July 2, 2023.” The aim of ‘Khaan Quest’ is 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 the United Nations Charter.
The exercise initially started as a bilateral event between the US and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003. Subsequently, from 2006 onwards, the exercise transitioned into a multinational peacekeeping exercise, with this year marking the 21st iteration.
The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, and joint tactical drills. Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise include the establishment of static and mobile checkpoints, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter improvised explosive device drills, combat first-aid, and casualty evacuation, among others.
‘Khaan Quest’ will enable participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie, and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.
