June 25, 2025 – The Indian Army is actively participating in the prestigious multinational military exercise ‘Khaan Quest 2025’, which commenced on June 14 and will continue until June 28 in Mongolia. Co-hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the exercise brings together military contingents from 24 countries to train collectively under the United Nations peacekeeping mandate.
The participation underscores India’s unwavering commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and military diplomacy. The Indian Army contingent, composed of experienced officers and soldiers with previous exposure to UN missions, is contributing to joint drills that aim to enhance interoperability, exchange tactical expertise, and build trust among partner nations.
Strengthening Peacekeeping Capabilities
‘Khaan Quest’ is a flagship multilateral exercise designed to foster international military cooperation and preparedness for peacekeeping operations worldwide. It features a diverse range of training modules including crowd control, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and operational planning within conflict zones—all conducted under simulated UN scenarios.
The Indian Army, known for its extensive experience in UN peacekeeping missions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, plays a key role in sharing best practices and operational strategies. Their involvement includes both field exercises and staff-level planning sessions aimed at promoting professionalism, discipline, and international coordination in complex peacekeeping environments.
Strategic Significance for India
India’s participation in ‘Khaan Quest 2025’ aligns with its broader strategic goal of deepening defence ties with Mongolia and enhancing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise not only showcases India’s military capabilities but also reflects its status as a responsible global actor contributing to international peace and security.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Army officials highlighted the importance of such engagements in building cultural understanding and strengthening diplomatic relationships. “Our involvement in Khaan Quest highlights India’s proactive approach in fostering global peace and our commitment to multilateral defence partnerships,” said an Indian Army spokesperson.
Global Military Cooperation in Focus
This year’s edition of the exercise includes contingents from countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, and Nepal, among others. The drills are being conducted at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, which provides a realistic and challenging environment for troops to rehearse coordinated missions.
The presence of diverse military forces reinforces the shared commitment to maintaining global stability through joint efforts and mutual trust. The exercise also serves as a platform to enhance logistical coordination, medical support systems, and multilingual communication practices under UN command structures.
As ‘Khaan Quest 2025’ progresses towards its conclusion on June 28, the Indian Army’s active participation continues to receive appreciation from both hosts and fellow participants. Through its role in this multinational initiative, India reaffirms its longstanding legacy in peacekeeping and its aspiration to contribute meaningfully to collective security in an increasingly interconnected world.
