EX KHAAN QUEST 2023

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Context:Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries has commenced in Mongolia today.

About the exercise

• The Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023”is held every year.
• The military contingents and observers from over 20 countries participated in the event.
• 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.
• In 2022, Indian Army was represented by a contingent from the LADAKH SCOUTS.

Purpose of the exercise

• The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability of the participating nations and for sharing experience.
• To train uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
• The exercise 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.

Importance of the exercise

• The military exercise will enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and participating countries especially with the Mongolian Armed Forces
• This will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
• It will be beneficial for India to counter china which has stressed relations with almost all the neighbours including India.

The Garhwal Rifles

• The Garhwal Rifles was formerly known as the Royal Garhwal Rifles.
• They are an infantry regiment of the Indian Army.
• It was originally raised in 1887 as the 39th (Garhwal) Regiment of the Bengal Army.
• It then became part of the British Indian Army, and after the Independence of India, it was incorporated into the Indian Army.

Bilateral exercise between India and Mongolia

• The joint bilateral exercise between India & Mongolia is called Nomadic Elephant.
• The 14th edition of India-Mongolia joint military exercise was held in 2019 at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Conclusion

• Joint military exercises are important to enhance jointness in military operations, Preparedness for future events, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Risk management operations and other search and rescue operations.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933424