EXERCISE KHANJAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Exercise KHANJAR

• About: It is an annual event conducted alternatively in both the countries.
• Started from: 2011
• Aim: To exchange experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.
• Objective: The exercise will provide an opportunity for both the sides of fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism. 
• The exercise will also accord opportunity to showcase capabilities of cutting edge indigenous defence equipment besides achieving shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations.

Kyrgyzstan

• About: It is a landlocked country in Central Asia.
• Borders share with: Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 
• Capital: Bishkek.
• International Alliances: It is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a military alliance led by Russia. 
• Multilateral Affiliations: Kyrgyzstan holds membership in several international organizations, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Economic Union, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations.