New Delhi, 29 June (H.S.): The Indian Army has showcased its operational readiness, tactical expertise and strategic agility by participating in the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

A 40-member contingent from the Indian Army's Jat Regiment is taking part in the exercise at the Five Hills Training Area. Khaan Quest was launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia and has evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise since 2006.

The Indian contingent departed for Mongolia on June 18 to participate in the joint multinational military exercise, which is being held from June 20 to July 3 at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar. The exercise brings together armed forces from across the world to enhance cooperation and interoperability in peace support operations conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The primary objective of the exercise is to improve military preparedness and interoperability for peacekeeping and peace support operations in a multinational environment under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. During the exercise, participating troops are undertaking joint planning, coordinated patrols, cordon and search operations, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, and combat first-aid drills.

Around 1,000 military personnel from 18 countries, including India and the United States, are participating in this year's exercise. Initially conducted in 2003 as a bilateral engagement between the United States and the Mongolian Armed Forces, Khaan Quest became a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006. The 2026 edition marks the 23rd iteration of the exercise.

India's participation reflects its steadfast commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and its growing strategic partnership with Mongolia. The 40-member Indian contingent comprises personnel from a battalion of the Jat Regiment, along with members from other arms and services of the Indian Army.

The exercise is designed to prepare participating defence forces for peacekeeping operations in a multinational environment. It focuses on joint planning and tactical drills, including the establishment of static and mobile checkpoints, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) operations, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation.

Khaan Quest also provides an important platform for participating countries to exchange best practices, operational procedures, tactics and techniques for conducting joint peacekeeping operations. The exercise is expected to strengthen operational preparedness while fostering mutual trust, camaraderie and professional cooperation among the participating armed forces.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar