Mongolia is a landlocked country in Central Asia and is wedged in in the middle of China and Russia. In an exertion to pay China back in its own currency the Indians have been assiduously cultivating Mongolia. Mongolia does have some fixation about its larger neighbor and India would like to sound good relations with this land locked state.
One of the fields of cooperation with Mongolia is the Military. Mongolia maintains a small defense force and concentrates on potential to deter any aggressor. Indian and Mongolia have been seeing Eye to eye on many matters. The Indian Army is conducting joint exercises with Mongolian Army, though China frowns on it.
News From Mongolia
The latest practice code name 'Nomadic elephant' took place at Belgaum with a two week training and active carrying out session in counter insurgency. Along with the Indian Army 30 officers and men of the Mongolian defense troops took part. It is worth noting that the practice tapered off while the visit of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India. Perhaps it was statement of India's intent.
The troops ties in the middle of India and Mongolia are on the growth and Defense cooperation has grown steadily for over a decade. It is worth pointing out that the first joint practice in the middle of the two nations took place in 2004. After that the practice and drills has come to be a regular feature. In 2005 the Mongolian armed troops personnel took part in exercises at the Indian Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School at Vairnagte, Mizoram. an additional one practice in 2008 was held in Mongolia. The stress on the practice in Mongolia was on peace holding operations.
Joint Exercises are only one facet of the troops cooperation in the middle of India and Mongolia. Top generals and staff from Mongolia have visited India and it is followed up by the visit of the Indian army top brass to Mongolia. The previous Vice-Chief of the Army Staff Lt. Gen. Noble Thamburaj had visited visiting Mongolia last year. The occasion was the Mongolian armed troops day celebration. The Chief of the Army Staff of Mongolia also visited India to attend the Defense Expo exhibition at Delhi.
The Mongolian Defense clergyman L. Bold was one of the special invitees at the 2009 Aero India exhibition and was also a member of the Joint Working Group meeting in India.
It is good that India is cultivating Mongolia as it shows a widening of horizon and a realization that India has a global role. China won't be happy.
India Expands Its Horizon - Courting MongoliaVisit : todays world news headlines
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