Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026: Indian Army Joins Drill in Mongolia

On June 18, 2026, the Indian Army contingent departed to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026, a major multinational peacekeeping military exercise co-sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces at the Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar (capital of Mongolia). This is the 23rd edition of this exercise, running from June 20 to July 3, 2026. The exercise trains armies of multiple countries to work together for United Nations (UN) peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Evolution of Exercise KHAAN Quest 

Started in 2003 as a USA–Mongolia bilateral exercise. It became a multilateral exercise in 2006. The 2026 edition is the 23rd edition.

India's Involvement in KHAAN QUEST 2026

1. Indian Army contingent participates with specialized units such as the JAT Regiment in 2026
2. Indian soldiers train alongside US, Mongolian & other international forces
3. India and Mongolia also share a dedicated bilateral exercise, NOMADIC ELEPHANT
4. India is a regular and active participant in KHAAN QUEST every year
5. The previous edition of the exercise was conducted from 14 to 28 June 2025 in Mongolia and participated in by the Kumano regiment.

Key Objectives of KHAAN QUEST 2026

1. Share best practices in Tactics, Techniques & Procedures (TTPs)
2. Train soldiers for stability operations, civilian protection & crisis management
3. Improve interoperability — meaning armies of different countries working smoothly together
4. Prepare forces for UN Chapter VII mandates (rules for maintaining international peace)

Training Activities to be conducted in India and Mongolia, KHAAN Quest 2026

1. CPX Command Post Exercise Planning-  Activities involve decision-making, command drills
2. FTX Field Training Exercise—On-ground tactical drills activity. 
3. Specific Drills -  Activities involve Checkpoint Operations, Cordon & Search, Counter-IED, Casualty Evacuation, and Patrolling

Major Indian Military Exercises 2026 of  the Army, Navy & Air Force

The following are major Indian Military Exercises.