NEW DELHI, OCT 16: India and Mongolia have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation, reviewing ongoing initiatives and identifying new avenues for collaboration during the 14th meeting of the India-Mongolia Joint Working Group (JWG) held in Ulaanbaatar on October 16, 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to comprehensively assess progress in defence engagement, evaluate existing cooperation mechanisms and discuss measures to strengthen collaboration in mutually identified areas. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue and closer coordination between their defence establishments.
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Brigadier General Gansukh E., Deputy State Secretary of Defence of Mongolia. Both sides reiterated their resolve to advance the longstanding defence partnership through continued engagement, capacity building and cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The two delegations welcomed the successful conclusion of the Nomadic Elephant joint military exercise, describing it as an important demonstration of the commitment shared by India and Mongolia to strengthening defence cooperation.
The exercise reflects the continuing engagement between the armed forces of the two countries and provides opportunities to enhance professional interaction, exchange operational experience and deepen mutual understanding.
The Mongolian side also acknowledged India’s continued support in capacity building and training for personnel of the Mongolian Armed Forces, recognising the importance of training and knowledge-sharing in strengthening defence capabilities.
During the visit, Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy held a separate meeting with Major General Usukhbayar J., Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces.
Both sides appreciated the progress achieved in cooperation between their respective defence forces and discussed opportunities to deepen engagement further. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties and developing a forward-looking agenda for the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
The interaction reinforced the importance of continued institutional dialogue in identifying emerging areas of cooperation and sustaining the momentum of bilateral defence relations.
As part of its engagements in Mongolia, the Indian delegation visited the National Defence University, where it reviewed the functioning of the Cyber Security Training Centre established with Indian assistance.
The visit highlighted cybersecurity as an important area of defence cooperation, alongside military training and capacity development. The Mongolian side appreciated India’s continued support in language training and cybersecurity, emphasising the contribution of technical expertise, knowledge-sharing and institutional capacity building to the broader strategic partnership.
The engagement also underscored the value of cooperation in developing specialised skills and strengthening professional capabilities within Mongolia’s defence institutions.
Beyond defence and security cooperation, India and Mongolia share longstanding historical, cultural and civilisational connections that continue to provide a strong foundation for their contemporary relationship.
The visit highlighted the role of shared faith and cultural heritage in bringing the two nations closer, complementing their expanding cooperation in defence training, cybersecurity and military engagement.
The 14th Joint Working Group meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to maintaining regular dialogue, building on existing initiatives and exploring further areas of collaboration. The discussions are expected to contribute to the continued development of the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership, supported by enduring people-to-people and civilisational ties.
