From March 10 to March 23, Kyrgyzstan will host Khanjar-XII, the 12th iteration of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise. With the locations switching between India and Kyrgyzstan, this yearly exercise, which started in 2011, has grown to be a vital part of the two nations’ strategic partnership. The most recent event, which took place in India in January 2024, demonstrated the countries’ ongoing cooperation.
Troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), renowned for their superior capabilities, make up the Indian contingent taking part in Khanjar-XII.
The Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade, which focusses on counterterrorism and mountain warfare, is in charge of representing Kyrgyzstan. Enhancing cooperation and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and special forces operations—especially in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain scenarios—are the objectives of the exercise.
Along with cooperative operations planning and execution, sniping, complicated building intervention, and mountain craft are important training courses. The exercise will include cultural exchanges, such as the commemoration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz, in addition to the intense military exercises.
This cultural element aims to strengthen the long-standing relationship between India and Kyrgyzstan by strengthening military-to-military and people-to-people ties.
The exercise gives both countries a chance to strengthen their defence cooperation while tackling shared issues with global terrorism and extremism. In keeping with the expanding strategic alliance and defence cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, it emphasises their dedication to promoting peace, stability, and security in the area.
