The exercise will feature field training exercises, combat debates, lectures, and demonstrations

A multinational peacekeeping exercise, 'Ex Khaan Quest 2022', involving military contingents from 16 nations, including India, kicked off in Mongolia on Monday.

The military exercise will improve defence cooperation between the Indian Army and participating countries, particularly with the Mongolian Armed Forces, resulting in improved bilateral relations, the Ministry of Defence said.

The 14-day exercise aims to improve interoperability, strengthen military-to-military ties, enhance peacekeeping operations, and increase military preparedness among participating nations.

The exercise will feature field training exercises, combat debates, lectures, and demonstrations, as well as the exchange of best practices amongst the armed forces of participating nations.

From the Indian Army, a detachment of the Ladakh Scots is participating in this exercise.

The Ladakh Scouts are an Indian Army infantry regiment known as the "Snow Warriors" or "Snow Leopards." The regiment specializes in mountain combat, and its principal mission is to protect India's borders in the high elevations of Ladakh, which is part of the Union Territory of India.

Mongolia's President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh formally inaugurated the exercise which has been conducted in the Five Hills Training Area since its inception in 2003.

Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise co-sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted by Mongolia.

According to the US Embassy in Mongolia, Khaan Quest 2022 includes a combined brigade-level command post exercise (CPX) and battalion-level field training exercise (FTX). It focuses on peace keeping operations (PKO) within a realistic scenario and coordination with humanitarian organizations and host nation partners.