Shillong, July 3: Ambassador of Mongolia to India, Dambajavyn Ganbold on Wednesday inaugurated the India-Mongolia joint military “Nomadic Elephant” exercise here saying, the exercise is part of his country’s “military diplomacy and foreign policy.”

Ganbold said India and Mongolia are building a strategic partnership based on its shared cultural and spiritual history. “This exercise is part of our military diplomacy and foreign policy,” he said.

Ganbold said, Mongolia is working on its “Third Neighbour” concept and India is part of this foreign policy. The Mongolian envoy said due to security challenges in the region and globally, Mongolia and India are working closely to ensure security.

The “Third Neighbour” foreign policy of Mongolia is basically looking beyond China and Russia that had an influence on Mongolia for many years. Now Mongolia is trying to build relationships with countries apart from these two superpowers.

Citing India and Mongolia’s ancient relationship, Ganbold said scholar monks from both countries have reached out to each other for spiritual and educational guidance.

However, this “ancient link was lost” during Mongolia’s 70 years of rule under the Communist regime, which he described as the “iron curtain” under which Mongolia remained behind.

Mongolia was under the Communist regime from 1921 till 1990. It was modelled as a communist state like the USSR (Russia.) The country peacefully transitioned to a multi-party democracy and market economy in 1992.

India and Mongolia have however maintained diplomatic ties only from 1955. Ganbold said: “We will be celebrating our 70th year of diplomatic relationship in 2025.”

He further said, the present joint military exercise would be a learning opportunity for both armies, which has entered its 16th edition. The Mongolian envoy said the Mongolian army stands to gain experience through this exercise from its Indian counterpart. “It would help us in different fields and in peacekeeping exercises around the world,” he added.

Meanwhile, 45 personnel from Sikkim Scouts and a similar number of personnel from 150 Quick Reaction Force battalions of the Mongolian Army are taking part in the exercise.

The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Some of the drills of the exercise would be in response to a terrorist action, establishment of a joint command post and intelligence and surveillance centre and others.

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