The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar commenced on Tuesday at Missamari in Assam, further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The annual bilateral exercise will be conducted from February 4 to 17.
Exercise Khanjar is held alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan. The previous edition took place in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The current edition brings together elite special forces units from both sides to enhance interoperability and operational synergy.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 20 personnel, is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan side is represented by an equal number of personnel from the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade.
The primary aim of the exercise is to exchange best practices and operational experiences in counter-terrorism and special forces operations, particularly in urban and mountainous terrain. Training modules during the exercise will focus on advanced special forces skills, including sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain warfare techniques.
The Defence Ministry said that Exercise Khanjar will provide a valuable platform for both nations to strengthen defence ties and enhance mutual understanding while addressing shared concerns related to international terrorism and extremism. The exercise also reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to fostering peace, stability, and security in the region.
