The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced in Missamari, Assam. The exercise, scheduled from February 4 to 17, 2026, is an annual training event conducted alternately between India and Kyrgyzstan. The last edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 20 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), is participating alongside an equal-strength Kyrgyzstan contingent from the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade.
The exercise aims to exchange best practices and experiences in counter-terrorism and special forces operations in urban and mountainous terrain. It will also focus on developing advanced special forces skills, including sniping, complex building intervention, and mountain craft. Exercise KHANJAR provides an opportunity for both nations to strengthen defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism. The exercise also reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to foster peace, stability, and security in the region.
