Background of Exercise KHANJAR
India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR XIII in Assam: Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint military exercise conducted between India and Kyrgyzstan, focusing exclusively on Special Forces operations. The exercise was first conducted in 2011 and has since become a key bilateral defence engagement.
Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual understanding between elite units of both countries. Over time, KHANJAR has evolved into a specialised platform for exchanging best practices in counter-terrorism and high-risk combat operations.
Static GK fact: India conducts similar Special Forces exercises with several countries, including GARUDA (France) and VAJRA PRAHAR (USA).
KHANJAR XIII Schedule and Venue
The 13th edition, named KHANJAR-XIII, is scheduled from February 4 to February 17, 2026. The exercise will be held at Misamari, located in Assam.
Misamari is a major military training station known for its diverse terrain, suitable for realistic combat simulations. Hosting the exercise in Northeast India also reflects India’s growing strategic focus on the eastern region.
Static GK Tip: Assam hosts multiple defence installations due to its proximity to international borders and varied topography.
Participating Military Units
India will be represented by the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), one of the most elite units of the Indian Army. Kyrgyzstan will field troops from its Scorpion Brigade, a specialised unit trained for rapid response missions.
Both units are skilled in special operations, unconventional warfare, and counter-insurgency tasks. Their joint participation enables tactical-level coordination essential for future multinational operations.
Static GK fact: India’s Parachute Regiment traces its origins to World War II and is among the oldest airborne units in Asia.
Core Training Focus Areas
KHANJAR-XIII will focus on counter-terrorism operations and urban warfare under a United Nations mandate. Training modules include room intervention drills, building clearance, sniping techniques, and mountain warfare skills.
Troops will also practice specialised counter-terrorism procedures designed to handle asymmetric and hybrid threats. These scenarios simulate real-world challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and cross-border security risks.
Static GK Tip: UN-mandated operations require strict adherence to international rules of engagement and civilian protection norms.
Strategic Importance of the Exercise
India and Kyrgyzstan share warm and friendly diplomatic relations, with defence cooperation as a major pillar. India also supports Kyrgyzstan through military training programmes and institutional exchanges.
A notable area of cooperation is research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre in Bishkek. Exercise KHANJAR strengthens mutual trust and contributes to regional and global security cooperation.
Static GK fact: Central Asia is strategically important for India due to connectivity, energy security, and counter-terrorism interests.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR XIII in Assam:
| Topic | Detail |
| Exercise Name | KHANJAR-XIII |
| Participating Countries | India and Kyrgyzstan |
| Edition | 13th |
| Dates | February 4–17, 2026 |
| Venue | Misamari, Assam |
| Indian Unit | Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) |
| Kyrgyz Unit | Scorpion Brigade |
| Key Focus | Counter-terrorism and urban warfare |
| Exercise Nature | Annual bilateral Special Forces drill |
| Strategic Significance | Enhances defence cooperation and regional security |
