India and Mongolia Strengthen Defence Cooperation at 14th Joint Working Group Meeting in Ulaanbaatar

India and Mongolia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during the 14th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between their Defence Ministries, held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on October 16, 2026. The meeting focused on reviewing existing defence engagements, expanding military cooperation, strengthening capacity-building initiatives and identifying new opportunities under the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.

The discussions reflected the growing importance of defence cooperation in bilateral relations, supported by longstanding historical, cultural and civilisational ties between the two countries.

India and Mongolia Review Bilateral Defence Cooperation

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, India, and Brigadier General Gansukh E., Deputy State Secretary of Defence, Mongolia.

Both delegations conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing defence cooperation activities and assessed the progress of existing bilateral initiatives. They also discussed measures to expand collaboration in mutually identified areas while maintaining sustained institutional dialogue between their respective Defence Ministries.

The discussions included an exchange of perspectives on regional and international developments, reinforcing the importance of regular consultations and closer engagement between the two countries.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant Strengthens Military Cooperation

The two sides appreciated the successful conclusion of Exercise Nomadic Elephant, the bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces.

The exercise represents an important component of India-Mongolia defence cooperation, providing opportunities for military personnel to improve operational coordination, exchange professional expertise and strengthen mutual understanding.

During the meeting, Mongolia acknowledged India’s continued assistance in capacity building and the professional training of Mongolian Armed Forces personnel.

Such training engagements contribute to stronger military-to-military relations and support the development of institutional expertise within Mongolia’s defence establishment.

Senior Military Leadership Discusses Future Defence Engagement

During her visit, Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy also met Major General Usukhbayar J., Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in cooperation between their respective defence forces.

The discussions identified opportunities to deepen military engagement, strengthen bilateral defence ties and develop a forward-looking cooperation agenda within the broader India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.

These engagements complement the Joint Working Group mechanism by facilitating dialogue between senior defence officials and military leadership.

India-Supported Cyber Security Training Centre Reviewed

The Indian delegation visited Mongolia’s National Defence University, where officials reviewed the functioning of the Cyber Security Training Centre established with Indian assistance.

The centre represents an important contribution to Mongolia’s defence capacity-building infrastructure and highlights India’s support for strengthening technical expertise and professional training.

Mongolian representatives appreciated India’s continued assistance in cybersecurity and language training.

These initiatives demonstrate the expanding scope of bilateral defence cooperation beyond conventional military exercises, particularly in specialised training, knowledge-sharing and institutional development.

Cybersecurity training and technical education form an increasingly important part of modern defence preparedness, making such cooperation valuable to the long-term development of Mongolia’s military capabilities.

Historical and Cultural Relations Support Strategic Partnership

India and Mongolia share longstanding historical, cultural and civilisational connections that continue to provide a strong foundation for their contemporary relationship.

Shared Buddhist traditions and cultural exchanges have historically contributed to closer relations between the two countries.

The Indian delegation’s visit highlighted the continuing importance of these bonds in supporting diplomatic engagement, mutual understanding and defence cooperation.

The relationship has evolved into a broader strategic partnership encompassing political dialogue, defence cooperation, education, training and capacity building.

India-Mongolia Defence Partnership Moves Forward

The 14th Joint Working Group meeting reinforced the commitment of India and Mongolia to maintaining close institutional engagement and expanding cooperation between their defence establishments.

Continued military exercises, professional training programmes, cybersecurity capacity building and senior-level consultations provide a strong foundation for the next phase of bilateral defence relations.

The discussions in Ulaanbaatar further strengthened the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership, advancing cooperation built on mutual trust, shared interests and longstanding friendship.

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References

1. Ministry of Defence, Government of India — 14th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group Meeting Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Defence Partnership, Press Information Bureau, October 16, 2026.
2. Ministry of Defence, Government of India — India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant Commences at Pithoragarh, Press Information Bureau, September 21, 2026.
3. Ministry of Defence, Government of India — Raksha Mantri Holds Bilateral Talks with His Mongolian Counterpart in Ulaanbaatar, Press Information Bureau, September 6, 2022.

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