India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR Begins in Assam
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The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan joint military exercise KHANJAR has commenced at Misamari in the Sonitpur district of Assam, marking another significant step in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. The 14-day-long exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the Special Forces of India and Kyrgyzstan, with a special focus on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios conducted under the United Nations mandate.
Exercise KHANJAR brings together India’s elite Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade, both renowned for their expertise in special operations. During the exercise, the participating contingents will engage in intensive training modules that include sniping, room intervention, building clearance, mountain warfare techniques, and specialised counter-terrorism drills. These activities are aimed at improving tactical coordination, operational synergy, and the ability to respond effectively to complex security challenges in diverse terrains, including urban and mountainous environments.
From an examination perspective, Exercise KHANJAR holds importance as it reflects India’s growing defence engagement with Central Asian countries and its commitment to international peacekeeping and counter-terrorism cooperation. India and Kyrgyzstan have been conducting this joint military exercise annually since 2011, with the hosting responsibility alternating between the two nations. This rotational hosting highlights mutual trust, equality, and the deepening strategic partnership between the armed forces of both countries.
The previous 12th edition of Exercise KHANJAR was held in March 2025 in Kyrgyzstan and featured high-intensity drills in sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft, and specialised counter-terrorism operations. It also included high-altitude training and cultural exchanges, which played a key role in strengthening camaraderie and mutual understanding between the soldiers. Such exchanges are increasingly seen as vital components of modern military diplomacy.
Exercise KHANJAR also underlines India’s broader defence and strategic outreach in the Eurasian region, contributing to regional security cooperation and stability. For competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, JKSSB, and State PCS, this exercise is relevant under defence exercises, international relations, counter-terrorism cooperation, and India’s military diplomacy. The commencement of the 13th edition in Assam further highlights the strategic importance of India’s northeastern region in hosting international defence engagements and strengthening global military partnerships.