The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise (KHANJAR-XII), focusing on developing advanced special forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft, began on Monday. The annual training event, held alternatively between India and Kyrgyzstan, will go on till March 23.
The special forces of both countries will exchange experiences and best practices in counter-terrorism and special forces operations in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios during the two-weeks long event.
Apart from high-intensity training drills, the exercise will feature cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz. According to a defence ministry release, the interaction will further enhance the bond of friendship between the two countries.
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“The exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism. The exercise reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to fostering peace stability, and security in the region,” the defence ministry said.
The Indian contingent is represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) while the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
The last edition of the same exercise was conducted in India in January 2024. The first edition of KHANJAR took place in 2011.