Indian Army Contingent Reaches Mongolia for Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST

IN NEWS

Indian Army Contingent Reaches Mongolia for Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST

ANALYSIS

1. Context and Overview
   • The Indian Army contingent has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to participate in the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, scheduled from 14th to 28th June 2025.
   • The exercise aims to enhance peacekeeping capabilities and interoperability among participating nations under the framework of the United Nations Charter (Chapter VII).
2. Background of the Exercise
   • Origin: Exercise KHAAN QUEST began in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces.
   • Evolution: Since 2006, it has evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise.
   • Current Edition: The 2025 edition marks the 22nd iteration of the exercise.
   • Last Edition: Held in Mongolia from 27th July to 9th August 2024.
3. Indian Contingent Details
   • The Indian contingent comprises 40 personnel, primarily from a Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, along with soldiers from other Arms and Services.
   • The team includes one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting India’s commitment to gender inclusion in military operations.
4. Aim and Objectives
   • To prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in multinational operational environments.
   • To enhance interoperability and operational readiness for Peace Support Operations (PSO) under UN mandates.
   • To promote joint planning, coordination, and execution of tactical drills among international forces.
5. Key Tactical Drills and Focus Areas
   • Establishment of Static and Mobile Check Points
   • Cordon and Search Operations
   • Patrolling and Civilian Evacuation from hostile areas
   • Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) drills
   • Combat First Aid and Casualty Evacuation
   • Emphasis on high physical fitness and joint tactical coordination
6. Significance of the Exercise
   • Strengthens military diplomacy and strategic cooperation between participating nations.
   • Enhances tactical interoperability, mutual trust, and camaraderie among soldiers.
   • Supports India’s role as a responsible UN peacekeeping nation committed to global peace and stability.
   • Provides a platform to share best practices and operational techniques in peacekeeping environments.

STATIC PART

Exercise KHAAN QUEST

• Type: Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise
• Host Nation: Mongolia
• First Conducted: 2003 (bilateral USA–Mongolia)
• Became Multinational: 2006 onwards
• Objective: Enhance coordination and operational efficiency in multinational peacekeeping operations.
• Conducted Under: Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter (Peace Support Operations).

India’s Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations

• India is one of the largest troop-contributing nations to UN peacekeeping missions.
• Indian Armed Forces have participated in more than 50 UN missions across the globe.
• India emphasizes capacity building, training, and women’s participation in peacekeeping operations, in line with UN objectives.

Updated – 11 Jun 2025 ; 1:00 PM | PIB

News Source:Press Information Bureau (PIB)