The Indian Army contingent has departed for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 9, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This exercise will bring together military forces from across the globe to enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. The previous iteration of KHAAN QUEST was held in Mongolia from June 19 to July 2, 2023.
Initially established as a bilateral event between the United States and the Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003, KHAAN QUEST evolved into a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise in 2006. This year marks the 21st edition of the exercise.
The Indian Army’s contingent, consisting of 40 personnel, primarily includes troops from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with members from various other Arms and Services. The team also features one woman officer and two women soldiers.
The primary objective of KHAAN QUEST is to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions within a multinational framework, enhancing interoperability and military readiness for peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will emphasize rigorous physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
Participants will engage in a range of tactical drills, including the establishment of static and mobile checkpoints, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter-IED procedures, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation.
KHAAN QUEST provides a valuable opportunity for participating countries to share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations. The exercise will foster interoperability, camaraderie, and mutual understanding among the soldiers of the participating nations.
