Exercise KHANJAR-XII

Exercise KHANJAR-XII: Joint Military Exercise Khanjar-XII between India and Kyrgyzstan began at Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.

• About Exercise KHANJAR-XII:
• Participants:

o India: Troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

o Kyrgyzstan: Troops from the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

• Aim: To enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both countries.

o To exchange experiences and best practices in Counter-Terrorism and Special Forces Operations in urban and mountainous high-altitude terrain.

• Focus Areas: Urban warfare scenarios and counter-terrorism tactics under the UN mandate.

o Precision sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft.

• Historical Background: The exercise started in 2011 and has evolved into an annual training event.

o The venues alternate between India and Kyrgyzstan.

o The last edition was conducted in India in January 2024.

• Significance: Strengthens defence ties and addresses international terrorism and extremism.

o Features cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Kyrgyz festival Nowruz.

o Reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to peace, stability, and security in the region.