KHANJAR-XII Kicks Off in Kyrgyzstan
KHANJAR-XII: India-Kyrgyzstan Special Forces Strengthen Regional Security: The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII began on March 10, 2025, in Kyrgyzstan and will continue until March 23, 2025. Since its inception in 2011, KHANJAR has evolved into a major bilateral military drill, alternately hosted by the two nations. The exercise reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan, with a focus on counter-terrorism, high-altitude operations, and interoperability between elite units. The previous edition, KHANJAR-XI, was held in India in January 2024, continuing the tradition of rotational hosting to maximize terrain familiarity and joint mission readiness.
Elite Forces, Real Missions
Representing India in KHANJAR-XII is The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), known for its elite capabilities in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and mountain warfare. Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade, equally respected for its high-altitude combat expertise, is leading their side. These troops will engage in intense joint operations simulating urban and mountainous conflict zones, aiming to improve real-time coordination and develop standard operating procedures for hostile scenarios. The inclusion of such elite forces emphasizes the advanced level of tactical training and mutual trust between the two countries.
Tactical Training and Warfare Objectives
KHANJAR-XII focuses on several key tactical areas vital to regional security. These include counter-terrorism training in urban and rugged mountain settings, sniping techniques, room intervention drills, and survival operations under harsh environmental conditions. With Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous geography offering the perfect backdrop, high-altitude warfare training is central to this exercise. Participants will also simulate live special operations, conduct reconnaissance missions, and engage in joint mission planning to enhance interoperability, ensuring both forces can operate seamlessly in coordinated multinational missions.
Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening Military Bonds
The exercise extends beyond battlefield tactics, incorporating cultural exchange programs that reinforce military diplomacy. A key highlight is the joint celebration of Nowruz, a Central Asian festival that symbolizes unity and new beginnings. Such cultural interactions foster camaraderie among soldiers, build interpersonal bonds, and create mutual respect beyond the command structure. These engagements deepen trust and cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, strengthening bilateral relations and setting a precedent for defense partnerships grounded in shared cultural values and strategic goals.
Why KHANJAR-XII Matters Strategically
KHANJAR-XII holds strategic importance in the broader context of regional counter-terrorism cooperation and Indo-Central Asian defense diplomacy. It enhances India’s military preparedness for high-altitude conflict scenarios and asymmetric threats while strengthening joint capabilities to respond to terrorism and extremism. For Kyrgyzstan, the exercise helps align with international standards of counter-insurgency readiness. At a regional level, KHANJAR-XII contributes to peace and security in Central and South Asia, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to strategic alignment and defense collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
KHANJAR-XII: India-Kyrgyzstan Special Forces Strengthen Regional Security:
| Exercise Name | KHANJAR-XII (India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise) |
| Year Initiated | 2011 |
| Current Edition | 12th (March 10–23, 2025) |
| Host Country | Kyrgyzstan |
| Indian Contingent | The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) |
| Kyrgyz Contingent | Scorpion Brigade |
| Key Focus Areas | Counter-terrorism, mountain warfare, joint special ops |
| Cultural Highlight | Celebration of Nowruz |
| Strategic Importance | Regional security, defence diplomacy, anti-terror coordination |
