India commences 12-day joint training exercise with Mongolia

New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Contingents of Indian and Mongolian armed forces are holding a 12-day joint training exercise in Mongolia aimed at developing synergy in counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations, official sources said here on Tuesday.

The 13th edition of the training exercise commenced on Monday in Mongolian capital city Ulaanbaatar, in which 45 personnel of the 17th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment and 60 from the Mongolian armed forces are participating, an Indian Army Spokesperson said here.

"Since 2006, this exercise has been instrumental in improving the scope of military association between the two countries. Its aim is to develop synergy and interoperability between the two armies in countering insurgency/terrorism under the United Nations mandate," he said.

"The Indian contingent will share its practical experiences of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue situations, setting up of mobile checkpoints and drills to neutralize improvised explosive devices," he added.

Besides, both contingents will share techniques in unarmed combat and innovative firing. They will also participate in various sports events.