The Indian Army is actively participating in the ongoing multinational military drill, Exercise Khaan Quest 2025, held at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The exercise, which commenced on June 14 and will continue until June 28, is jointly hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
It brings together military personnel from 24 countries, united under the banner of United Nations peacekeeping.
Aimed at enhancing interoperability, refining counter-IED strategies, and strengthening civil-military coordination, the exercise underscores India’s dedication to global peace initiatives and reinforces its defence cooperation with Mongolia. This effort comes close on the heels of the recently concluded Nomadic Elephant 2025 drill between the two nations.
Sharing updates on the event, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) of the Indian Army posted on X: "Exercise #KhaanQuest 2025 The 22nd edition of the Multinational Joint Military Exercise #KhaanQuest2025 is currently underway in #Ulaanbaatar, #Mongolia. The exercise aims to enhance the interoperability of the #IndianArmy with participating nations, promoting collaboration and synergy in conducting peacekeeping operations in a multinational environment. #IndianArmy is committed to global peace, stability and international cooperation, actively contributing to #UN peacekeeping efforts worldwide."
In a video shared by the Indian Army, an officer said: “We are honoured to be part of Exercise Khaan Quest. This is a very unique platform where militaries from across the globe come together, train for humanitarian and Peacekeeping operations. With its rich experience in UN Peacekeeping operations, India is proud to contribute.”
The Indian Army contingent made headlines on June 18 with a remarkable performance on the field, completing a challenging obstacle course in record time among all participating nations. Tasks included sandbag carries and tyre flips, with Indian soldiers displaying determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The Indian contingent comprises 40 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, with additional support from various other units. In a nod to inclusivity, the team also features one woman officer and two women soldiers.
This year’s edition marks the 22nd iteration of Exercise Khaan Quest. Originally launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia, it transitioned into a full-scale multinational peacekeeping initiative in 2006. The 2024 edition was held from July 27 to August 9.