New Delhi: Multinational peacekeeping joint exercise "Ex Khaan Quest 2023" featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries has commenced in Mongolia today.
Mr Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the President of Mongolia inaugurated the Exercise in a ceremony organised at the exercise location in Mongolia. The exercise is co-sponsored by Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
The Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES. The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability of the participating nations, for sharing experience and to train uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
The Ex Khaan Quest 2023 will prepare participants for future UN Peacekeeping missions, develop peace operations capabilities and enhance military readiness. The exercise includes Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercises (FTX), combat discussions, lectures and demonstration.
The military exercise will enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and participating countries especially with the Mongolian Armed Forces which will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
India and Mongolia share strong defence ties. Last year Rajnath Singh became the first Indian defence minister to visit Mongolia.
It may be recalled that India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971. This relationship was upgraded to "strategic partnership" in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of 'Act East Policy'.
The BSF under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Mongolian General Authority for Border Protection (GABP) have been closely cooperating on border patrolling and related subjects for over eight years.
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