Synopsis
On March 9, an Indian Army contingent, featuring elite Parachute Regiment troops, departed for Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 12th edition of the joint exercise Khanjar, which aims to strengthen defense ties and combat international terrorism.Key Takeaways
- Joint exercise focuses on counter-terrorism.
- Participants include Indian Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
- Exercise runs from March 10 to March 23.
- Incorporates cultural exchanges, including Nowruz celebrations.
- Strengthening defense cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) In a bid to tackle shared challenges related to international terrorism, an Indian Army team, featuring soldiers from the prestigious Parachute Regiment, has departed for Kyrgyzstan to engage in a joint military exercise commencing on Monday.
The 12th iteration of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar is scheduled to unfold in the Central Asian nation from March 10 to March 23, according to an official announcement made on Sunday.
This exercise presents a platform for both nations to strengthen their defense collaboration while addressing mutual concerns regarding international terrorism and extremism. It also emphasizes the commitment of both countries to nurture peace, stability, and security in the region.
Since its establishment in 2011, Khanjar has developed into an annual training initiative. The alternating locations between India and Kyrgyzstan highlight the growing strategic partnership. The most recent edition took place in India in January 2024, as per an official statement.
The Indian contingent comprises soldiers from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyz side is represented by the Scorpion Brigade, according to the report.
The goal of this exercise is to share experiences and best practices in counter-terrorism and special forces operations in both urban and mountainous high-altitude environments, the report stated.
The training will also aim to cultivate advanced special forces capabilities in areas such as sniping, intricate building interventions, and mountain operations.
Apart from intensive training, the exercise will incorporate lively cultural exchanges, including the celebration of the Central Asian festival of Nowruz. This cultural interaction is expected to further strengthen the friendship between the two nations, as noted in the report.
Last month, a comprehensive tri-service special forces exercise named 'Desert Hunt 2025' was carried out at the Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, involving elite forces from the Para (Special Forces), the Navy's Marine Commandos, and the IAF's Garud (Special Forces), all collaborating in a simulated combat scenario.
This high-stakes drill aimed to enhance interoperability, coordination, and synergy among the three special forces to ensure a rapid and effective response to emerging security threats.
