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An Indian Army contingent is participating in Exercise Khaan Quest 2026, a multinational peacekeeping exercise being held in Mongolia from 20 June to 3 July 2026.

About Exercise Khaan Quest

Exercise Khaan Quest is an annual multinational joint military exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (formerly U.S. Pacific Command). The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, coordination, and cooperation among participating armed forces during United Nations peacekeeping operations.

It is conducted in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which deals with collective measures to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Background

• The exercise was launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia.
• From 2006 onwards, it evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise.
• The 2026 edition is the 23rd iteration of the exercise.

Exercise Khaan Quest 2026

• Venue: Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• Duration: 20 June – 3 July 2026.
• Indian Contingent:40 personnel, including troops from a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with personnel from other Arms and Services.

Major Areas of Training

The exercise focuses on United Nations peace support operations through:

• Joint operational planning.
• Static and mobile checkpoint operations.
• Cordon and search operations.
• Area domination patrols.
• Evacuation of civilians from hostile areas.
• Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) drills.
• Combat first aid.
• Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).

The participating countries also exchange best practices, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for multinational peacekeeping operations.