India and Mongolia have commenced a joint military training exercise called "Nomadic Elephant -2016" in Mongolia. The Indian Army sent platoon-strength soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment to the 11th Indo-Mongolia exercise.

A statement from the PRO of the Army said that India was undertaking the exercise in order to develop synergy and interoperability between the two armies to fight counter insurgency and counter terrorism mandated by the United Nations. The exercise will be inclusive of the specialised operations in counter insurgency and counter terrorism setting.

The Indian Army contingent will also be accompanied by two observers. The statement noted that there will be about 60 personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces who will be taking part in the exercise.

Practical knowledge that the Indian Army has on dealing with counter insurgency and counter terrorism related activities would be shared via classroom lectures and outdoor demonstrations. The Indian Army's demos will include house clearing and room intervention techniques in hostage situation, road opening, establishing mobile check posts, intelligence gathering and drills for countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Both the armies will participate in sporting events and be sharing techniques gained in unarmed combat and specialised rappelling, the statement noted.

The joint military exercise "Nomadic Elephant -2016" is expected to end on May 8.