This military exercise between the Indian and Mongolian armies carries a significant strategic message. A team from the Indian Army arrived in Mongolia on Wednesday to participate in a multinational military exercise.
New Delhi: A crucial step has been taken in military cooperation between India and Mongolia, holding strategic importance not only regionally but also on the global stage. A 40-member Indian military contingent has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, to participate in the multilateral military exercise ‘Khan Quest 2025’, scheduled from June 14 to 28.
India's participation in this exercise may irk China, as it is a joint initiative of Mongolia and the US, and also conveys a message of solidarity among democratic nations.
Valiant Kumaon Regiment Personnel in the Indian Team
This Indian Army contingent primarily comprises personnel from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment. The inclusion of women soldiers exemplifies gender balance and empowerment within India's military strength. This participation further strengthens India's growing involvement in UN peacekeeping operations and its expanding global diplomatic role.
What is ‘Khan Quest’?
‘Khan Quest’ is a multilateral peacekeeping military exercise held in Mongolia, aimed at training the armies of nations participating in UN peacekeeping missions. It is jointly hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
This military exercise began in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the US and Mongolia. Since 2006, it has been conducted multilaterally. 2025 marks its 22nd edition.
Main Objectives of the Exercise
- Preparation for UN peacekeeping missions
- Enhancement of operational coordination and cooperation among the armies of various nations
- Training soldiers for operations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster management
- Adoption of work processes in line with international military standards
- The exercise helps soldiers make quick decisions in unusual and stressful situations, coordinate with armies from different countries, and prepare for shared global missions.
China's Unease is Certain
India has consistently participated in this exercise. In 2024, the Rajputana Rifles unit of the Indian Army took part. This year's participation of the Kumaon Regiment demonstrates India's commitment not only to providing diverse international experience to its soldiers but also to strengthening defense cooperation with strategically sensitive countries like Mongolia.
China has often been uncomfortable with the growing proximity between India and Mongolia. Although Mongolia is a neighbor and historical partner of China, its increasing military engagement with India and the US irks Beijing. In this context, India's presence is not just a strategic message but also a shrewd strategy to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR) and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
