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Context:Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries has commenced in Mongolia today.

About the exercise

• The Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023”is held every year.
• The military contingents and observers from over 20 countries participated in the event.
• The exercise is co-sponsored by Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
• The Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES.
• In 2022, Indian Army was represented by a contingent from the LADAKH SCOUTS.

Purpose of the exercise

• The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability of the participating nations and for sharing experience.
• To train uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
• The exercise will prepare participants for future UN Peacekeeping missions, develop peace operations capabilities and enhance military readiness.
• The exercise includes Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercises (FTX), combat discussions, lectures and demonstration.

Importance of the exercise

• The military exercise will enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and participating countries especially with the Mongolian Armed Forces
• This will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
• It will be beneficial for India to counter china which has stressed relations with almost all the neighbours including India.

The Garhwal Rifles

• The Garhwal Rifles was formerly known as the Royal Garhwal Rifles.
• They are an infantry regiment of the Indian Army.
• It was originally raised in 1887 as the 39th (Garhwal) Regiment of the Bengal Army.
• It then became part of the British Indian Army, and after the Independence of India, it was incorporated into the Indian Army.

Bilateral exercise between India and Mongolia

• The joint bilateral exercise between India & Mongolia is called Nomadic Elephant.
• The 14th edition of India-Mongolia joint military exercise was held in 2019 at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Conclusion

• Joint military exercises are important to enhance jointness in military operations, Preparedness for future events, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Risk management operations and other search and rescue operations.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS Consider the following statements: Ex Khaan Quest 2023 is a bilateral exercise between India and Mongolia. In 2023, Indian Army was represented by a contingent from the LADAKH SCOUTS. Which of the above  statements are correct? 1 only 2 only Both None of the above Ans: D

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933424