India and Mongolia Strengthen Defence Collaboration in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar recently hosted the 14th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the defence ministries of India and Mongolia, underscoring both nations' dedication to fortifying their defence cooperation. Held on October 16, 2026, the meeting provided a platform to evaluate ongoing defence initiatives and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Reviewing Defence Cooperation

The discussions offered an in-depth look at the existing defence engagement between India and Mongolia. The meeting aimed to strengthen current initiatives while laying the groundwork for future cooperation. Dr. Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, co-chaired the event alongside Brigadier General Gansukh E, Deputy State Secretary of Defence for Mongolia.

Both sides expressed a firm commitment to enhancing their bilateral defence relationship through ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts. This joint review not only confirmed the progress made thus far but also paved the way for identifying new areas of mutual interest.

Highlighting Military Exercises

During the meeting, the successful conclusion of the Nomadic Elephant military exercise was a point of celebration. This exercise serves as a vital platform for military engagement, showcasing both nations' commitment to working together in defence matters. The Mongolian delegation acknowledged India's pivotal role in capacity building, emphasizing the assistance provided in training their armed forces personnel.

The training program has proven crucial in enhancing Mongolia's military capabilities and fostering closer institutional connections between the two defence establishments.

Exploring Future Collaborations

Dr. Ishita Ganguli Tripathy also held discussions with Major General Usukhbayar J, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces. The talks highlighted the positive developments in the cooperation between the two countries' defence forces.

Both parties identified several promising opportunities for deepening their military ties and articulated a forward-looking agenda for the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and cooperation for enhancing the defence relationship.

Cyber Security Training Initiatives

The delegation further visited the National Defence University of Mongolia to evaluate the Cyber Security Training Centre established with Indian support. The Mongolian representatives expressed their gratitude for India’s assistance in language training and cybersecurity initiatives.

This visit showcased the significance of capacity building and knowledge-sharing in boosting the capabilities of Mongolian defence personnel. Such technical cooperation remains a core element of their bilateral defence partnership, allowing both countries to enhance their expertise in emerging fields like cybersecurity.

Cultural Ties Strengthening Defence Relations

India and Mongolia enjoy deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilizational connections, which form a robust foundation for their strategic partnership today. These enduring ties not only foster goodwill but also complement their expanding cooperation in defence and military training.

The recent JWG meeting highlighted the mutual respect and historical bonds that aid in bolstering defence collaboration. Both nations reaffirmed their dedication to enriching their partnership through continuous dialogue, expanded cooperation, and ongoing mutual engagement in the identified areas.