India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise ‘Khanjar’ begins in Assam

New Delhi, Feb 4: The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar commenced at Missamari in Assam and will continue till February 17, 2026, according to the Ministry of Defence. Exercise Khanjar is an annual bilateral training engagement conducted alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan. The previous edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The Indian Army is represented by a 20-member contingent from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while an equal-strength team from Kyrgyzstan’s ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade is participating in the exercise.

The aim of the exercise is to share best practices and operational experience in counter-terrorism and special forces operations, particularly in urban and mountainous environments.

Training modules will also focus on enhancing advanced skills such as sniping, complex building intervention and mountain warfare techniques. The joint exercise is expected to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries and address shared concerns related to international terrorism and extremism. It also underscores the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to promoting peace, stability, and security in the region.