Exercise KHANJAR | 05 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

Recently, the 13^th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces  Exercise KHANJAR has commenced in Missamari, Assam. 

Exercise KHANJAR 

• Background: Exercise KHANJAR was initiated in 2011 and is conducted annually, alternately in India and Kyrgyzstan, to enhance interoperability between Special Forces. 
• Participating Units: The Indian Army contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade. 
• Aim & Focus Areas: Exchange of best practices in counter- terrorism and Special Forces operations, with training in urban and mountainous terrain, including sniping, building intervention, and high-altitude/mountain warfare. 
• Significance: Enhances defence ties, addresses international terrorism and extremism, and reinforces commitment to peace, stability and regional security. 

Kyrgyzstan  

• Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked Central Asian country bordering Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Bishkek as its capital. 
• It shares the strategically important Fergana Valley with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, a region that is highly sensitive from the perspective of regional stability. 
• The Fergana Valley is rich in hydrocarbon resources, enhancing its importance for India’s long-term energy security and broader strategic interests in Central Asia.