Introduction and Overview:

  • Multilateral Exercise Khaan Quest 2024 recently unfolded in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.
  • The exercise commenced on 27th July 2024 and concluded on 9th August 2024. It was hosted at the Five Hills Training Area.

Purpose of Khaan Quest 2024

  • The prime objective of conducting this exercise is to improve interoperability and exchange best practice tactics, procedures, and techniques to carry out joint operations.
  • The exercise intends to prepare the Indian armed forces for peacekeeping missions under the mandate of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Promulgated under the purview of 'peace enforcement', Chapter VII entails measures executing diplomatic, economic, or forceful action to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Participants and Their Contribution

  • The Indian contingent at the exercise consisted of 40 personnel from the Madras Regiment Battalion, supplemented by other members.
  • Around 430 troops from 23 countries came together for the exercise including nations like Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Turkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
  • Each country contributes strategically to the exercise, bolstering international cooperation and military readiness on a global platform.

History and Importance of Khaan Quest

  • The Khaan Quest began as a bilateral military drill between the U.S. and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003. But it evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise from 2006 onwards.
  • The annually held exercise Khaan Quest has notably become a strategic event for enhancing military cooperation, peacekeeping capabilities, and readiness for peace enforcement under the UN mandate.

GK Points for Government Exams:

  • Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia, located in East and Central Asia, between China and Russia.
  • Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter allows the Security Council to take enforcement measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. These enforcement measures include military action and can be taken when acts of aggression or other breaches of peace occur.
  • The Madras Regiment, participating from India, is one of the oldest infantry regiments of the Indian Army, dating back to the 1750s.
  • Peacekeeping exercises like Khaan Quest enable military forces worldwide to collaborate, enhance their readiness for peace enforcement, and create a global environment conducive to peace and stability.