NEW DELHI: A contingent of the Indian Army has departed for Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII, scheduled from March 10 to March 23. The annual exercise, which began in 2011, is a testament to the growing strategic and defense cooperation between the two nations.
This year, the Indian contingent comprises troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent will be represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade. The last edition of this exercise was held in India in January 2024, and the venue alternates between the two countries.
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The primary objective of KHANJAR-XII is to exchange expertise and best practices in counter-terrorism and special operations, particularly in urban and high-altitude mountainous terrain. The training modules will include:
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Sniping and precision targeting
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Complex building intervention techniques
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Mountain warfare and survival skills
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Joint operational planning and execution
The exercise will also focus on developing advanced Special Forces tactics, strengthening interoperability between the two armies, and fostering better coordination in anti-terror operations.
Beyond the rigorous military drills, KHANJAR-XII will feature a cultural exchange program, including the celebration of Nowruz, a major festival in Kyrgyzstan. This aspect of the exercise aims to deepen the people-to-people and military-to-military ties, reinforcing the longstanding friendship between India and Kyrgyzstan.
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With growing security challenges in Central and South Asia, the exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to regional peace and stability. India and Kyrgyzstan share common concerns regarding terrorism and extremism, and this joint training initiative helps enhance their operational readiness to address emerging threats.
As the Indian and Kyrgyz Special Forces prepare for two weeks of intensive training, KHANJAR-XII stands as a symbol of mutual trust, cooperation, and commitment toward a secure and stable region.
