Context: 

Recently, the Indian Army contingent reached Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for the Multinational Military Exercise Khaan Quest. 

More on the News 

• The current edition of the exercise marks the 22nd iteration of the exercise
• The last edition of Exercise Khaan Quest was conducted in Mongolia from 27th July to 9th August 2024.
• The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion of the KUMAON REGIMENT along with personnel from other Arms and Services. 
• One Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers will also form part of the contingent.

Exercise Khaan Quest

• The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003. 
• Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise. 
• The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities.

• It aims to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. 
• The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

• Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include the establishment of Static and Mobile Check Points, Cordon and Search Operations, Patrolling, Evacuation of Civilians from Hostile Areas, Counter Improvised Explosive Device drills, Combat First Aid, and Casualty Evacuation, among others.

• The exercise will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conduct of joint operations. 

• The exercise will facilitate the development of inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.