Indian troops during Exercise Khaan Quest – 2024 at a training location near Ulaanbaatar. (Photo: X/@Tar21Operator)
New Delhi: The 21st edition of the multinational military exercise “Khaan Quest 2024” concluded successfully in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with a grand closing ceremony, on Thursday. The exercise brought together military forces from around the globe to enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. Held from July 27 to August 8, 2024, the exercise aimed to foster interoperability and cooperation among participating nations during peacekeeping missions.
Originally a bilateral exercise between the US and Mongolian armed forces in 2003, Khaan Quest evolved into a multinational peacekeeping operation in 2006. In the exercise, participating soldiers gain United Nations peacekeeper training as well as certification for support of peacekeeping operations.
Troops from Madras Regiment of the Indian Army conducting cordan & search exercise during Ex Khaan Quest 2024 under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. pic.twitter.com/lL9g3LRHqo
— Singh (@Duorope) August 3, 2024
Hosted by the Mongolian armed forces, Khaan Quest 2024 saw the participation of 23 countries, including the United States, India, Japan, South Korea, and several North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) member states. The exercise featured a series of complex drills designed to simulate real-world peacekeeping scenarios, including establishment of static and mobile checkpoints, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter-improvised explosive device (IED) drills, and combat first aid.
The Indian Army’s participation in Khaan Quest 2024 was marked by the deployment of a 40-member contingent, primarily from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services. The Indian contingent included one woman officer and two women soldiers, reflecting the increasing role of women in the Indian armed forces.
Indian Army during Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise Khaan Quest 24 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia. ?? pic.twitter.com/1f8v8H7epE
— Tar21Operator (@Tar21Operator) July 31, 2024
The exercise also featured cultural exchanges and community outreach programmes, fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding among the soldiers.
The closing ceremony, held at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, was attended by high-ranking military officials from the participating countries. Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev, chief of general staff of the Mongolian armed forces, and Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, general officer commanding of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, were among the dignitaries present.
The defence ministry, in a statement, said Khaan Quest 2024 not only strengthened military ties but also highlighted the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining global peace and security. The successful completion of the exercise reaffirmed the participating nations’ commitment to working together in addressing contemporary security challenges.
